Memories of Akbar Hashemi - September 20, 2000 - Hashemi's Account of Protests and Incidents in Urmia, Which the Government Downplays as Insignificant

Interview with the Quarterly Journal of Islamic Government

Meeting with Women and Organizers of Women's Week

Meeting with Dr. Habibzadeh and Request for Assistance in Transferring His Child to Azad University, which Hashemi Narrates as Having Numerous Similar Requests as the Head of the Founding Board and Board of Trustees

Negotiations and Consultations with Mohsen Hashemi as the Head of the Office of the Chairman of the Expediency Discernment Council

Faezeh Hashemi's Interesting Request for an Appointment for the Wife of Mohammed Farah Aidid, a Leader in Somalia, and Hashemi's Disapproval of It

Denial of Rumors About the Creation and Revival of the Prime Minister's Position in Iran and the Elimination of the Presidency by Hashemi

Hashemi's Account of Protests and Incidents in Urmia, which the Government Downplays as Insignificant

Full Text of the Daily Note:

I had an extensive interview with the magazine [Quarterly Journal of Islamic Government] of the [Qom Seminary]. I discussed the state of education in seminaries, issues with methodologies and textbooks, management conditions, financial status, and reform strategies aimed at aligning seminary education with the needs of the Islamic government.

In the afternoon, a group of women, including the organizers of Women’s Week, came to present a report on the events and recited the Quran and poetry. I also gave a brief talk about the personality of Hazrat Zahra (SA) and the status of women in Islam; since they arrived late, we shortened the program.

Mr. Habibzadeh, a dentist from Rafsanjan, came to request assistance in transferring his daughter from Kerman to Tehran at Azad Islamic University. Lately, I have received many such requests. I discussed various issues related to the Tehran Metro and matters concerning the office with Mohsen [the CEO of the Tehran Metro and the head of the Expediency Discernment Council's Office]. We usually spend one or two lunch breaks together during the week to discuss relevant issues.

Faezeh requested a meeting for the wife of [Mohammed Farah] Aidid, a leader of Somali factions visiting Iran; I said that considering the internal conflict and disputes there, it is not appropriate. The construction of the International Space Station is underway, and it is currently being completed with the dispatch of experts and equipment.

Iranian anti-revolutionary television has claimed that I am seeking to eliminate the presidential position and replace it with the prime ministership in Iran. Such lies are usually spread to create discord. The issue of mass protests in Urmia, with slogans for freedom and damage to some shops and vehicles, is escalating due to complaints from the merchants, although government agents are trying to downplay it as insignificant.