Memoirs of Akbar Hashemi - October 17, 2000 - Meeting of the Heads of Government in the Presence of Ayatollah Khamenei and Ongoing Discussions on Reforms, Which Ultimately Remained Inconclusive

A meeting of the central councils of the independent Islamic student associations across the country took place.

A meeting was held with Sheikh Abdolmajid Maadi Khar, who requested assistance for the budget of the Historical Foundation and sought consultation regarding the accusations against Sheikh Hassan Yousofi Ashgouri, who was detained by the Special Court for Clergy and faced charges of heresy and security-related political accusations.

Meeting with Mohsen Nourbakhsh, the then Governor of the Central Bank, who reported on the economic and currency situation of the country and announced his resignation from the Kargozaran Sazandegi Party, continuing previous reports to Hashemi.

A meeting was also held with Mir Ali Naqi Mousavi, the financial manager of the Expediency Council, regarding budget reports.

A periodic visit from Dr. Ahad Milani Nia and a health checkup for Hashemi took place.

Full Entry of the Day:

Members of the central councils of the independent Islamic student associations from across the country attended. Before the official meeting, they complained about the discrimination that the Ministers of Science and Health had shown towards Islamic and guild associations, raising questions about issues related to reforms. I stated that a precise definition of reforms has yet to be established. I delivered an extensive speech on the importance of education and socio-political activities, emphasizing that the best foundation and support is Islamic knowledge, which is the most effective factor for the health, continuity, and success of our efforts.

Mr. Abdolmajid Maadi Khar, the head of the Islamic Revolution Historical Foundation, came to discuss the foundation's budget, the status of its building project, and ongoing political issues, including the accusations against Mr. Hassan Yousofi Ashgouri. Dr. Mohsen Nourbakhsh, the head of the Central Bank, reported on the economic and currency situation, stating that demand for currency is low and that we cannot sell from the surplus revenues until what is reflected in the budget is realized; he sought advice on how to utilize the currency surplus. I mentioned that the export of technical and engineering services and developmental construction are of utmost importance. He stated that he and some of his associates had resigned from the Kargozaran Sazandegi Party and were considering returning to it.

In the evening, Mr. Mir Ali Naqi Mousavi, the financial manager of the Expediency Council, reported on the budget situation and needs for the upcoming year. Dr. Ahad Milani Nia presented the results of my blood and stool tests. My blood sugar level has doubled from last year: 270.

Later in the evening, I had a meeting with the heads of the three branches of government at the Leader's office. We reported the outcomes of our discussions regarding the definition of reforms, and the Leader insisted that we focus on the three issues he previously mentioned: combating poverty, corruption, and discrimination. President Mohammad Khatami wishes to include additional political matters, which the Leader did not accept. We also discussed Palestine and Iraq. The Sharm El Sheikh conference was held today, but hopes for success are low. I received a phone call from Iftikhar, who is on an Umrah trip, updating me on her health.