Diary of Akbar Hashemi - February 3, 2001 - Continuation of the Controversies Between the Judiciary and the Sixth Majlis

Consultation with Mohsen Hashemi on Establishing a Publication Center and Museum of the Presidency in Rafsanjan

Continuation of the Controversies Between the Judiciary and the Sixth Majlis

Full Diary Entry:

I was at home. The time was spent studying, resting, and visiting relatives. I discussed with Mohsen, [CEO of the Office for the Publication of the Revolution’s Ideals and Head of the Office of the Expediency Council], regarding the establishment of a documentation center, library, and presidential museum in Rafsanjan, which is a cultural complex built in collaboration with [Vali Asr] University of Rafsanjan. We also talked about the end-of-year bonuses for the staff of the Council and the financial management of the Strategic Research Center. With Mahdi and Yaser, we discussed the exchange of their house land with a plot in Jamaran. Badri Khanum Marashi, [my wife’s cousin], requested assistance for Zainabieh [Rafsanjan], as they are training several female students.

The quarrel between the Majlis and the Judiciary is receiving attention in both domestic and foreign media. The reformist Majlis members have written two harsh letters to Mr. [Seyyed Mahmoud Hashemi] Shahroudi, [head of the Judiciary], and [Abbas Ali] Alizadeh, [head of the Tehran judiciary], and received two strong responses in return.

The Libyan government has protested the ruling of the Hague court [regarding two Libyans accused of the Lockerbie bombing]. The survivors of the downed plane also consider the punishments and discoveries of the court insufficient and have expressed their objections. In Sudan, clashes have begun between supporters of [Hasan] al-Turabi, [Speaker of the Parliament], and Omar al-Bashir, [President]. In Bangladesh, a massive demonstration called by religious scholars was held today to condemn a court ruling that prohibited and condemned fatwas, and protests and strikes are set to continue.

In Indonesia, the parliament has issued an indictment against [Abdurrahman] Wahid, the President, and is preparing for an impeachment process. In Israel, a difficult election is approaching; there is severe conflict between [Ehud] Barak, [Israeli Prime Minister], [Ariel] Sharon, and [Shimon] Peres, and it is speculated that the public may not respond well to the elections due to their disillusionment with Barak's unfulfilled peace promises. In Europe, the problem of [mad cow disease] and the risk of [the use of] depleted uranium munitions have become problematic.