Memoirs of Akbar Hashemi - December 3, 2000 - Formation of a Meeting of the Expediency Council for the Approval Process of General Policies on Public Participation in National Affairs

Formation of a Meeting of the Expediency Council for the Approval Process of General Policies on Public Participation in National Affairs

Inauguration of the Eighth International Exhibition of the Holy Quran

Participation in the Iftar Ceremony Hosted by Ayatollah Khamenei and His Metaphorical Remarks as Related by Hashemi Addressing Claims of Democracy

Full Entry of the Day:

Before noon, the Expediency Council held a meeting. The general policies on public participation in national affairs were on the agenda. The overall framework of one article was approved. In the afternoon, I went to the Intellectual Training Center for Children and Young Adults for the inauguration of the eighth International Exhibition of the Holy Quran. We visited various sections and then heard welcoming remarks from Dr. Ataollah Mohajerani, the Minister of Culture and Islamic Guidance, and a report from Ahmad Masjed Jamei, the Cultural Deputy Minister. A total of 30 foreign personalities from 15 countries also participated. I delivered a brief speech about the importance and comprehensiveness of the Quran and the impact of the exhibition.

In the evening, we went to the Leadership Office for the Iftar ceremony with the officials of the system. President Mohammad Khatami delivered a brief speech. The Leader gave an extensive speech, indirectly criticizing those who claim to advocate democracy, explaining that religious democracy does not resemble Western democracy. After the Iftar, I returned to my office, completed my work until seven, and then went home.

Today, Iraq has halted its oil exports to gain concessions from the United Nations. Following announcements from the United States, the United Kingdom, Saudi Arabia, and Kuwait regarding the replacement of Iraqi oil, efforts have been made to prevent an increase in oil prices. The U.S. Supreme Court, which was supposed to resolve the election crisis today, has postponed its ruling indefinitely.

The United Nations General Assembly approved four resolutions in favor of the Palestinians and against Israel. The United States and Israel opposed these resolutions; however, since there is no veto power in the Assembly, the Americans cannot exert their influence. Many Sunni scholars in Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, and Indonesia have issued fatwas to boycott American and Israeli goods.