Qom, April 16, IRNA - Deputy Foreign Minister for Arab and African Affairs Hossein Amir Abdollahian said on Thursday that religious leaders (Ulema) by expressing their views helped the government make decision to suspend Umrah Haj pilgrimage.

Speaking to IRNA on the sidelines of his meeting with Ayatollah Naser Makarem Shirazi, he said he held separate meetings with Ulema on the Saudi aggression on Yemen as well as regional developments.

In talks with Ulema various issues such as the aftermath of Saudi aggressions on Yemen and latest developments in the region were discussed, he said.

On suspension of Umrah Haj ritual as a result of recent harassment of two Iranian pilgrims, he said 'We should appreciate the firm stands of Ayatollah Makarem Shirazi,' he said.

In the meetings with Ulema, they recommended taking proper action in dealing with Iran-Saudi Arabia disputes and current developments in Yemen, he said.

During his one-day stay in Qom, Amir Abdollahian conferred with a number of Ulema on issues of mutual concern.

The meetings with Ulema were held behind closed doors.

By IRNA