(VOVworld) - Iran demanded on Friday that it and other affected countries be represented in the Saudi investigation into the stampede that killed more than 700 pilgrims, including 131 Iranians, at this year's annual hajj pilgrimage.

Muslim pilgrims (Photo: israelnationalnews.com)

First Vice President Eshaq Jahangiri said after an extraordinary session of the cabinet that countries such as Iran, which have suffered so much, should be represented in the inquiry to determine the causes of the catastrophe and to gain assurances that it will not be repeated in the future. He said the Saudi government is responsible for poor management and inexperience of security personnel" on the ground at the time. Shortly after the tragedy, Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollyh Ali Khamenei blamed the Saudi authorities, citing "improper measures" and "mismanagement".