Memoirs of Akbar Hashemi - August 9, 2000 - Continuing Ali Larijani's Media Proposals; Protests Against Members of the Sixth Parliament in Electoral Districts and in Front of Parliament

Written interview with Ayatollah Hossein Ali Montazeri by the Persian section of the BBC regarding Ayatollah Montazeri's interference in internal affairs and related to the parliamentarians in the legislative process, condemning absolute guardianship, and its timing with the condemnation of Ayatollah Khamenei's actions to restrict the powers of representatives by the U.S. State Department.

Meeting with General Ali Akbar Ahmadian, the new head of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and General Ali Fadavi, the current Deputy Commander of the IRGC, requesting currency support for specific projects that are mentioned in today's entries concerning sensitive plans.

Meeting with Hassan Khalilian, advisor to the Minister of Interior.

Meeting with Dr. Hamid Nazeman, who proposed the establishment of a battery-operated vehicle project.

Marriage ceremony of Abdol Hossein Herati's daughter.

Meeting with Seyyed Abolhasan Navab and a report on the activities of the Center for Management of Religious Seminaries.

Continuing media proposals from Ali Larijani; protests against members of the Sixth Parliament in electoral districts and in front of the parliament.

Continued treatment of Mrs. Efat Marashi in London.

Ayatollah Hossein Ali Montazeri responded in writing to four questions from the Persian section of the BBC regarding Ayatollah Khamenei's interference in parliamentary affairs, expressing strong criticisms and condemning both the actions of the leadership and the concept of absolute guardianship, stating that the leadership should only have a supervisory role. At the same time, the U.S. State Department condemned the leader's actions. It seems that such actions are likely to escalate.

Mr. Ali Akbar Ahmadian, the head of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, along with Mr. Ali Fadavi from the IRGC, came to discuss securing foreign currency for sensitive projects they have with China, Russia, and North Korea. Mr. Hassan Khalilian, an advisor to the Minister of Interior and former governor of Qom, also visited. He reported on the poor management in Qom and the Tehran governorate and shared actions taken to assist war veterans in his advisory role at the Ministry of Interior.

Dr. Hamid Nazeman, a professor of economics at Allameh Tabatabai University, arrived with a proposal for a battery-operated vehicle. He sought advice on pursuing the project, and I told him that if it is economically viable, I would support it. He expressed appreciation for the significant accomplishments of the Reconstruction Government, noting that educated and knowledgeable individuals regard that period highly in Iran's history.

In the evening, I officiated the marriage of Engineer Abdol Hossein Herati's daughter, who has put considerable effort into compiling a book on the legacy of development.

Mr. Seyyed Abolhasan Navab, from the management of the Qom Religious Seminary, provided a report on the activities of the Center for Services to Students. He discussed loans, essential goods, and a project for the retirement of scholars and sending students from the seminary to villages and areas in need. He praised my recent Friday sermon and requested that I dedicate time to educate the students.

Today, merchants and students protested in front of the parliament, applying significant pressure on it. Protests against representatives who opposed the leader's directives occurred in many cities.

Efat and Fati called from London. Dr of Efat mentioned the need for surgery due to her stomach issues related to a cough, and I advised her not to rush. I stayed in my office at night.