Memoirs of Akbar Hashemi – March 2, 1999

With [Mr. Tim Fisher], the Deputy Prime Minister of Australia and their Minister of Commerce, who were among their companions, I emphasized the need for balance in trade; Now the balance is in their favor. I asked the reason for the Queen of England's presidency over Australia, and she said that they will soon have a referendum on this matter. He asked about the continuation of Iran's democratization policy, and I answered yes.

Mr. Mohsen Rezaei, [Secretary of the Expediency Analysis Council] came. He asked about his interview, and I said, it was a total loss; It was neither true nor expedient. He got permission to travel to Hajj and Dubai. Mr. [Sheikh Mojtabi] Yasoubi, Imam of Ilam, came on Friday. He is saddened by the lack of facilities for Imam Juma and the reduction of government aid and the stagnation of important development projects and the halting of the construction of the mosque. He said, the winners of the Shura elections in Ilam are mainly from the [community] faction of the [militant] clergy.

In the evening Dr. [Hasan] Rouhani, [Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council] came. We came to a conclusion about the deputies of the research center [Strategic Expediency Detection Council] and regulations. They decided to go to the new building. The [results] of the [town and village council] elections were discussed. They say that the group of supporters of the president - Khordad's second front - has less than 20% of the people's votes, which is a sign of retrogression. Although the other faction did not win and most of the votes were given to different people; It is not yet accurate.

We have rained in most parts of the country since last night. The rainfall in Yasouj has reached 108 mm. The limited bombing of Iraq continues; Without Iraq getting a result from opposing the no-fly zones.