Memoirs of Akbar Hashemi - July 19, 2000 - A Highly Significant Meeting with Ayatollah Meshkini and Remarks on the Consequences of Weak and Less Pious Individuals Gaining Power

Meeting with Ramadan Abdullah and Hashemi’s Analysis of the Discussions

Meeting with Mohammad Hashemi Before His Departure to Rafsanjan, Where He Informed Hashemi About Mohammad Khatami’s Decision to Run for the Upcoming Presidential Election, Which He Officially Announced on August 5, 2000

Dr. Ramadan Abdullah, leader of the [Palestinian] Islamic Jihad Movement, came with several of his colleagues. They expressed their gratitude for the considerable support given to the Palestinian cause. Regarding the Camp David negotiations, he mentioned that Israel would deceive [Yasser] Arafat [President of the Palestinian Authority], allowing the establishment of something called a Palestinian state under Israeli control in Jerusalem and parts of the West Bank, while gaining concessions on refugees and water. He predicted that Hamas would not oppose this, and the ten factions would participate in the Palestinian government, leaving Islamic Jihad to continue its resistance in coordination with Hezbollah in Lebanon. I expressed some doubts about these analyses, suggesting that we should wait for the results of the ongoing negotiations at Camp David II. [Bill] Clinton [President of the United States] has delayed his trip to Okinawa by a day to try to finalize the negotiations.

My brother Mohammad [Executive Vice President] came by before leaving for Rafsanjan to attend to personal matters. He mentioned that, during the recent government meeting, some ministers, along with Mr. Khatami [President], expressed frustration over discussions about reforms, the treatment of those involved in the cassette recordings, and other issues. A committee was formed to address these matters. He said it is highly likely that Mr. Khatami will run for another term in the upcoming presidential election and believes that, given the mindset and actions of those around him, extending his responsibility, particularly in light of the current situation in the parliament and abroad, could create problems for the Islamic Republic.

In the evening, Ayatollah [Ali] Meshkini [Chairman of the Assembly of Experts and Friday Prayer Leader of Qom] visited me. He expressed concern over the consequences of weak and less pious individuals gaining power. We also discussed Ayatollah Montazeri’s memoirs and a letter from Mr. [Mohammad] Reyshahri to the Leader. He mentioned that the Leader wishes for him to accompany him on his trip to Ardabil, but due to his age and frailty, he is not prepared for such a journey. I instructed Mohsen [Chief of Staff of the Expediency Discernment Council] to make arrangements for a trip to Mashhad.