Memoirs of Akbar Hashemi - July 3, 2000 - Revelation of a Phone Call between Mohammad Khatami and Hosni Mubarak and Efforts to Improve Political Relations, Later Denied in the Media

Dr. [Mohammad Ali] Najafi, [Head of the Planning and Budget Organization], visited. He explained the merger of the Planning and Budget Organization with the Administrative and Employment Affairs Organization and his decision to step down. He criticized the state of executive management in the country and mentioned that he had declined the offer of ambassadorships in London and Moscow. He expressed his intent to focus on academic work and stated that he is not optimistic about the future, also criticizing the actions of the judiciary.

Dr. [Mohsen] Nourbakhsh, [Governor of the Central Bank of Iran], visited, seeking assistance in gaining permission to issue foreign currency bonds abroad. The Guardian Council had rejected the proposal due to concerns about interest (riba), and he mentioned that the Leader also opposed it. He argued that despite paying interest in financing deals, the cost here would be lower, and it would generate free and liquid foreign currency without the restrictions of purchasing from the lending country, as in financing arrangements. He also criticized the behavior of the reformist tape-recorders, saying that it showed a lack of commitment and disregard for tarnishing the system’s reputation and undermining people’s beliefs. He also speculated that [Hossein Namazi], the Minister of [Economic Affairs and] Finance, might be replaced and expressed concern about the potential appointment of someone uncooperative.

In the afternoon, Dr. [Abdollah] Jasbi, [President of the Islamic Azad University], visited and explained the difficulties they are facing with the Ministry of Science. It was agreed to hold a meeting soon, with representatives from the Ministry of Science and the Secretary of the Supreme Council of the Cultural Revolution, alongside the Board of Trustees [of the Islamic Azad University], to resolve the issues. He also discussed the upcoming presidential election and the Supreme Council of the Cultural Revolution, as well as the university’s cooperation with the Ministry of Intelligence.

In the media, debates and arguments over the statement from the Society of Seminary Teachers of Qom, the parliamentary [press law reform] bill, and the recent arrests continued. The Zionist regime has also become active in opposing the court ruling against [13 Jewish] espionage suspects, even asking the German government to cancel [President Mohammad] Khatami’s visit. After a telephone conversation between Mr. Khatami and [Egyptian President] Hosni Mubarak, it was said that political relations between the two countries would soon be restored. However, after several newspapers criticized this, the statements were denied.