Memories of Akbar Hashemi - June 3, 2002

The Swiss Embassy, which represents the interests of the United States, has officially reiterated the news concerning the possibility of an assassination attempt [on the leadership] and added that the news is not credible in their view; they may have intended to undermine the ceremony or wanted to express a friendly gesture. Full text of the daily report:

For the anniversary ceremony of the passing, I went to Imam Khomeini's shrine. Hassan Agha [Khomeini] welcomed me, and the leader gave a long speech; there was a good crowd. I asked Ayatollah Khamenei about the news related to the United States regarding the possibility of an assassination attempt [on the leader]. He said it had been conveyed to him through the government. I asked Mr. [Seyed Mohammad] Khatami, [the president], and he said that a week ago, American agents in Switzerland had verbally informed Iranian agents that they received news indicating that someone intended to target the leader during the ceremony on June 4th (today) with a sniper rifle. They were told to officially report the information and also provide some leads. A couple of days prior, through the Swiss embassy, which represents U.S. interests, they officially reiterated the information and added that they found the news unreliable; it was likely an attempt to undermine the ceremony or to project a friendly gesture. The strictness of the security personnel in controlling the crowd also affected the intimacy of the speaking area.

The High Court of Palestine has ruled for the release of Ahmad Saadat, who had been convicted of the assassination of an Israeli minister, but Israel has opposed his release and the Palestinian Authority is not implementing the ruling of the High Court.

In Greece, a huge demonstration has been held in front of the Radio America building, against America's propaganda policies, with people calling for the shutdown of this radio.