Akbar Hashemi's Memoirs - May 1, 2000 - Continuation of Ali Larijani’s Consultations on the Press, Their Suspension, and Propaganda Programs Condemning the So-Called Berlin Conference

The continuation of Ali Larijani’s consultations regarding the press, their suspension, and the organized propaganda campaigns condemning the so-called Berlin Conference.

An interview with Payam-e Howzeh magazine.

A follow-up meeting with Sheikh Hassan Sanei for political consultations, especially on the annulment of the Tehran elections, and reports of reformists’ concerns about Hashemi’s recent Friday sermon.

Meeting with Hossein Kamali, workers, and the board of the Workers’ House.

Meeting with Fereydoun Verdinejad, managing director of IRNA, who expressed concern about articles published in Iran newspaper—under IRNA's supervision—against Hashemi, especially during the parliamentary elections, and repeated references to his summons by the General Inspection Organization headed by Ebrahim Raisi at the time.

A meeting with Mohsen Nourbakhsh for important consultations with Hashemi.

Mr. [Ali] Larijani, [Head of IRIB], came. We discussed the elections, the press, the Berlin Conference, and other topics. I conducted an interview with Payam-e Howzeh magazine about my past and the seminary [Qom], both before and during the struggles. The interview remained unfinished. Sheikh Hassan Sanei, [Head of the 15th of Khordad Foundation], came. He argued that the Tehran elections should be annulled due to numerous legal violations and mentioned that the reformists are upset about the Friday sermon, and their outcry stems from fear. He also shared some interesting memories from his time working with Imam [Khomeini], including one where a leaflet opposing Imam, written by a group called "The Reformers of the Seminary," was distributed, and a copy was posted at the Imam’s residence. When we wanted to tear it down, Imam said to leave it, as it showed that he was alive and influential.

In the afternoon, [Hossein Kamali], Minister of Labor [and Social Affairs], came with exemplary workers and expressed their gratitude for my support of workers. Mr. [Alireza] Mahjoub, [Secretary-General of the Workers' House], also expressed appreciation, and I gave an encouraging speech, followed by the distribution of gifts.

Mr. [Fereydoun] Verdinejad, [Managing Director of IRNA], came. He was embarrassed by some articles published in Iran newspaper and said he was not the editor-in-chief. He was worried about the pressure he faced from the [Press] Court and the General Inspection Organization. Today, the General Inspection summoned him over the weak reporting of the Berlin Conference. He mentioned that reformist leaders were concerned about recent actions taken to suppress and weaken the press, and they were particularly upset about my Friday sermon. He asked me to clarify the situation. I said the concern is about the deviation of the revolution, which is shared by senior officials, and the actions are aimed at curbing this deviation. I do not know all the details.

Mr. [Mohsen] Nourbakhsh, [Governor of the Central Bank], came. He reported on the state of the country's economy and expressed concern about the negative impact of political disputes on the economy and foreign policy. He asked me to maintain the balancing role I had in the past. He said the reformist leaders now realize they were wrong about me and want to make amends. Their proposal is that I should accept the speakership of the parliament to help restore calm to the country. I said I am not interested in joining the parliament. I won’t promise anything, but I will help from here. He added that they are willing to practically make amends for their mistakes and that Mr. Khatami himself is anxious and lacks stability.