Memoirs of Akbar Hashemi - May 25, 2000 - Hashemi's Analysis and Report on the Scenarios of His Participation in the Sixth Parliament

Hashemi’s attention to the new International Space Station and monitoring global events, along with other international news.

Drafting a message for Hezbollah’s victory in Lebanon and a statement of withdrawal from the Sixth Parliament after final consultations with Ali Aghamohammadi, Seyed Hossein Marashi, Seyed Hossein Hashemi, Ali Hashemi, Mohsen Hashemi, and Mehdi Hashemi.

Hashemi’s analysis and report on the scenarios of his participation in the Sixth Parliament.

Important news has been published about the new International Space Station named “Freedom.” A group of scientists traveled there on the American space shuttle Atlantis to adjust its final position. They activated its engine and raised the station 45 kilometers higher, placing it in a more suitable orbit.

Russia has threatened the Taliban [in Afghanistan], warning that if they continue their actions and the equipping of terrorists, they will be subjected to airstrikes. The Russians claim that Chechen militants are being trained in Afghanistan and supplied from there. The U.S. has expressed concern and surprise at Russia’s warning.

The war between Ethiopia and Eritrea continues with Ethiopia’s advantage. In Sierra Leone, some UN peacekeepers are still held captive by rebels, while the leader of the rebels has been captured. The U.S. Congress has passed a bill granting China most-favored-nation trading status.

I spent the entire day at home. Some of my time was spent preparing a message celebrating Lebanon’s victory over Israel through Hezbollah’s jihad and drafting the statement announcing my withdrawal from the Islamic Consultative Assembly. In the afternoon, Messrs. [Ali] Aghamohammadi, [Seyed Hossein] Marashi, Seyed Hossein Hashemi, Ali [Hashemi], Mohsen [Hashemi], and Mehdi [Hashemi] came. Final consultations were held regarding whether I should withdraw or remain in the Parliament and run for the Speaker position. Mehdi also helped finalize the withdrawal statement.

From today’s discussions and consultations, as well as those in recent days, the following points emerged:

1. The right-wing faction is pushing for my presence in Parliament so that [the members of the] Executives of Construction Party (Kargozaran) will distance themselves from the left-wing due to my influence, allowing the combined right-wing, Kargozaran, and independent members to form a majority in Parliament.
2. The left-wing, particularly the Participation Front, prefers that I do not enter Parliament so that Kargozaran does not distance itself from them, and the independents do not align with the conservatives.
3. Foreign media, counter-revolutionaries, and internal liberals are active in advocating for my absence in Parliament, hoping that loyal forces to the Revolution become scattered. There are also some who wish for my presence in Parliament, expecting conflicts between me and my supporters with the left-wing, allowing them to politically benefit from this division and weaken both sides.