Memoirs of Akbar Hashemi – August 9, 2003

America has begun a new effort to make others share responsibility for the bitter events in Iraq by obtaining another resolution from the [United Nations] Security Council. Other actors also want to reduce America’s interference by entrusting the reins of affairs in Iraq to the United Nations.

The Catholic region of Boston, America, has been experiencing many tensions; following the election in which Archbishop Bryanson - who is accused of being homosexual - was a candidate, and after the sexual scandals of the churches were raised, there has finally been talk of paying compensation to about 500 children who became victims of the homosexuality [sexual abuse] of priests.

In the meeting of the [Expediency Discernment Council], general investment policies were on the agenda, and we reached the discussion of foreign investment in the stock market. A great deal of time was spent on the recent situation of the stock market, where in recent months there has been a considerable and rapid rise in the share section, and there is a possibility of a conspiracy in which capital from abroad or inside the country has been used with the aim of disrupting the country’s economy. It was decided that stock market managers would attend the next meeting to provide explanations.

The order of discussion regarding the twenty-year outlook [Vision] and the general policies of the Fourth Development Plan was also discussed. Government officials and parliamentarians want haste so that it will be approved in this same Sixth Parliament. Others do not consider rushing these important issues to be advisable.

In the afternoon, Mr. Sadegh Kharrazi, [Iran’s ambassador to France], came. He said, on behalf of the French, British, and Germans, that if Iran does not sign the Additional Protocol, the case will go to the Security Council [of the United Nations], and America is seeking to use this situation to establish a complete embargo against Iran. I said the shortcoming lies with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. For some time it has been decided that, with a positive orientation, negotiations for signing the Additional Protocol should begin; so far they have taken no action and apparently are seeking to obtain permission for other issues, and it is likely that America will not be satisfied with acceptance of the annex.

In Iraq, clashes have intensified; for example, suddenly 12 mortars were fired at one of the positions of American forces. In Basra, there have been widespread demonstrations against the British - because of problems with water and electricity and services, severe increases in the prices of fuel and other goods, and insecurity - and with the firing of the forces, a number of people have been injured. Talk of the occupiers’ withdrawal is being heard more than before.

In America, an unprecedented storm has caused extensive damage. American media have advised Tony Blair, [the British prime minister], to step down as soon as possible so that his problems do not engulf America.