Memoirs of Akbar Hashemi - March 18, 2001 - Consultative-Electoral Meeting with Ali Larijani and Uncertainty Regarding Mohammad Khatami's Final Decision on Whether to Participate in the Upcoming Election

Meeting with Sheikh Ahmad Montazeri and Seyyed Mohammad Ali Ayazi to Convey a Message from Mah Sultan Rabbani, the Late Wife of Ayatollah Montazeri, for Hashemi’s Assistance in the Release of Saeed Montazeri
Meeting with Seyyed Jafar Shobeiri, Then-President of a Branch of the Supreme Court
In Continuation of Periodic Meetings with Sheikh Masih Mohajeri, This Time Discussing Other Political Consultations and Proposing the Publication of Hashemi’s 1982 Memoirs in the "Islamic Republic" Newspaper
Meeting with Abbas Firoozi from the Journal "Message of the Seminary"
Meeting with the Central Council of the University Society
Consultative-Electoral Meeting with Ali Larijani and Confusion Over Mohammad Khatami's Final Decision to Participate or Not in the Upcoming Election, and Hashemi's Analysis of Ayatollah Khamenei’s Statements and the Contradictions in Mohsen Rezaei’s Remarks

Full Diary Text:

Mr. Ahmad Montazeri and [Mohammad Ali] Ayazi came to deliver a message from [Mah Sultan Rabbani], the wife of Ayatollah Montazeri, seeking help to resolve the issue of Saeed Montazeri, who had been arrested. I asked what goal Ayatollah Montazeri hoped to achieve with the publication of his memoirs, which contained insults against Imam [Khomeini] and pleased the enemies. They replied that it could be a reaction to the immense pressures on him, and that many of his close associates did not agree with it. They also brought a book compiling Ayatollah Montazeri's statements, declarations, and speeches during his house arrest. They mentioned that the family’s morale was very low.

Mr. Seyyed Jafar Shobeiri, one of the Supreme Court judges, came and expressed concern over the current state of the country. He recounted memories of the turmoil involving [former President] Abolhassan Bani-Sadr, and how the clergy supported him at that time, the split within the Association of Combatant Clerics, etc., drawing parallels to the current situation. He highlighted the danger of weakening the judiciary after weakening the intelligence services and the police and said that the leadership could also be undermined. He urged me, as I had done in the past, to play a role in saving the country. He is an old friend from before the revolution.

Mr. Masih Mohajeri, [advisor to the president and editor-in-chief of the "Islamic Republic" newspaper], came and said that in independent circles, people believe that the only way to save the revolution is for me to accept the presidency, similar to the situation after the war. I said I had no readiness for such responsibility. He requested the publication of my 1982 memoirs in the "Islamic Republic" newspaper.

In the afternoon, Mr. [Abbas] Firoozi, editor of the journal "Message of the Seminary," came and, after discussing the significant services to the revolution and Iran, detailed his and his family's struggles during the war, including his brothers’ and father's martyrdom. He explained that his father’s truck, their only source of livelihood, had overturned, and they could no longer pay the installments. He requested that a new truck be provided on an installment plan so that they could pay off their previous debts with its income.

Members of the Central Council of the University Society came, asking for assistance in acquiring a house that serves as their office but is currently ownerless. They criticized the factionalism in the Ministry of Science and said that it has weakened the universities. They also complained about the economic problems facing university personnel and requested that the [Expediency Discernment Council] approve policies to strengthen research and promote knowledge development.

Mr. Ali Larijani, [head of IRIB], came and discussed matters regarding the presidential election. The uncertainty over Mr. [Mohammad] Khatami’s decision has left them confused and indecisive. Yesterday’s remarks from the Leader, cautioning against the disgrace of foreign support for some internal factions, have drawn attention, with foreign media portraying them as an attack by the Leader on Mr. Khatami and the reformists. The contradiction in Mr. Mohsen Rezaei’s statements about whether or not Mr. Khatami should run in the election is also notable. The leftist faction is using this to accuse the hardliners of undermining Mr. Khatami’s plans.

In Lebanon, Mr. Shadhli Qalibi, [former Secretary-General of the Arab League], praised Arab world coordination in the Iraq-Iran war in favor of Saddam at a seminar in Sidon, which sparked protests from [Hezbollah].