Akbar Hashemi's Memoirs - May 13, 2000 - Hassan Rouhani's Discussions with Hashemi on Political Matters, Especially Ayatollah Khamenei's Recent Sermons and Their Media Impact

Continued political consultations with Ali Larijani.

Hashemi’s participation in Expediency Council commissions as Chairman to encourage members to actively participate in meetings.

Meeting with Sheikh Ahmad Jannati and discussions regarding the sixth parliamentary elections.

Reports from Sheikh Abbasali Alizadeh on the trials of the suspects in the assassination attempt on Saeed Hajjarian, the conflicts between the Ministry of Intelligence and the judiciary on this issue, and claims of a threat to murder Akbar Ganji in prison. He also mentioned the notification to the Ministry of Culture and Islamic Guidance to halt the issuance of press licenses and the transfer of newspaper licenses.

Hassan Rouhani's discussions with Hashemi on political matters, especially Ayatollah Khamenei's recent sermons and their media impact.

The death of Sheikh Ali Hojjati Kermani.

Mr. [Ali] Larijani, [Head of IRIB], came and shared thoughts on the elections, the Guardian Council, and the future parliament. I participated in the political, security, and judicial commissions of the [Expediency Council] to encourage them to be more diligent, as the commissions have been somewhat inactive. We did not hold a council session today as there was nothing on the agenda. Mr. [Ahmad] Jannati, [Secretary of the Guardian Council], came. We discussed the Tehran elections; he mentioned serious issues, but also acknowledged the importance of political considerations.

In the afternoon, Mr. [Abbasali] Alizadeh, Head of Tehran Judiciary, came and provided a detailed report on the case of the assailants of Mr. [Saeed] Hajjarian and the disputes between the Ministry of Intelligence and the judiciary. He also discussed the suspension of several newspapers and the ongoing investigation of some writers and participants in the Berlin Conference. He stated that they had learned of a plan to kill Akbar Ganji in prison and cause an uproar, so they transferred him to a secure location. He also said that the Ministry of Culture and Islamic Guidance has been instructed not to issue new press licenses and to follow the new press law.

Dr. [Hassan] Rouhani, [Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council], came. We discussed the elections, yesterday’s speech by the Leader, the future parliament, the press, and the ongoing conflicts between political factions. I returned home at ten o’clock. Reports indicated that the Israeli media reaction to the Leader’s speech was very negative, particularly regarding the references to Banu Qurayza and Banu Nadir, and the distinction between "insiders" and "outsiders."

Last night, several rockets fired by Iraqi opposition forces hit Baghdad. The opposition claims they struck Saddam's palace, while the Iraqi government says they hit a residential area and accuses Iranian agents of being responsible.

I signed a condolence message for the family of the late Ali Hojjati Kermani, who passed away in Syria during a pilgrimage to Karbala. The Iranian Ministry of Oil announced that drilling at Al-Durra has been halted, awaiting Kuwait's move to negotiate. Kuwait had previously avoided negotiations. If Iran's action has spurred Kuwait to engage, it has been a success.