Date: March 11, 2001 - Akbar Hashemi's Account of Political Consultations with Mohsen Rezai Regarding the Continued Presidency of Seyyed Mohammad Khatami

Hashemi's narrative includes a meeting with Khodakaram Jalali and officials from shrimp production unions and fisheries, as well as a visit from Muhammad Saeed Ubaidullah Af, the Chairman of the National Assembly of Tajikistan.

Full Text of the Diary:

In Shemiran, light snow is falling and the weather has become cold, although the city has experienced some rain. Overall, this year's precipitation is better than last year, but it is still 20% less than the average of the past 33 years. Mr. Khodakaram Jalali, the Deputy Minister of Agricultural Jihad and Managing Director of the Iranian Fisheries Company, along with officials from unions and companies involved in shrimp farming and production, visited. They expressed gratitude for establishing the shrimp farming industry and requested assistance in resolving loan issues. They reported that this year approximately 4,000 tons of shrimp have been harvested from 2,800 hectares, showing a 100% annual growth since the first large-scale harvest began in 1994. The average job creation per hectare is three direct and indirect positions. They consider Gwadar in Balochistan to be the most suitable location for this industry.

I had lunch with Mohsen; this usually takes place once or twice a week to address matters related to the office of the Assembly President, the publication office of the Islamic Revolution, and personal and family affairs. In the evening, Mr. Muhammad Saeed Ubaidullah Af, the Chairman of the National Assembly of Tajikistan, visited. He expressed appreciation for my contributions to establishing peace in Tajikistan and called for continued cooperation between the two countries in development and trade. He highlighted the significant impact of my visit to Tajikistan, especially my trip to Kulyab and my inspection of the Sangtuda Dam, noting that it aided in its construction. I mentioned that I had plans to help harness Tajikistan's abundant water resources for electricity production and subsequently export electricity through neighboring countries and Iran, but unfortunately, this did not progress.

I officiated at the marriage contract of Mr. Mobarakh, one of the employees of the Expediency Council. I also had an interview with state television regarding the quality of oversight on the implementation of the country's general policies by the leadership. The announcement of the implementation of policies regarding the economy, transportation, energy, mining, and natural resources has been made and is receiving attention.

Mr. Mohsen Rezai, the Secretary of the Expediency Council, came in and said that although Mr. Seyyed Mohammad Khatami's remarks in the Assembly were calm, they contained implications directed at other bodies, especially the judiciary. He also discussed the upcoming presidential elections and expressed that it would be best for Mr. Khatami to stay for a second term; otherwise, if another government takes office, this Assembly, the press, and leftist parties will not allow it to function. I asked if he thought the situation would improve in four years; he could not provide an answer.