Memoirs of Akbar Hashemi – May 30, 1983

After the prayer, I studied the book “Muntakhab al-Athar” for the Friday prayer sermon—which I want to speak about the Imam of the Age (may God hasten his reappearance). Dr. Velayati came to the house and complained about the reproach I had made last night because of their opposition to Engineer [Mir-Hossein] Mousavi becoming head of the Political Office; I had accused them of voting along factional and group lines. I told him that this remark was directed at both sides. They took it personally, and I am concerned about this factionalism within the party, and this reproach is serious and ongoing.[Ayatollah] Mr. Khamenei called by telephone when they arranged for their own physiotherapist to come to examine me, as my back hurts.

In the afternoon, Dr. Velayati suggested to me by telephone that I invite Khaled Fahoum, the Speaker of the Palestinian Parliament, to the country; because the Foreign Ministry believes it is in our interest to pay attention to Palestine and Syria at this juncture. I said I would have to think and consult. He said Saudi Arabia is delaying visas for the Hajj officials who want to go to arrange housing and provisions. It is necessary for Mr. [Mohammad] Khatami, the Minister of Culture and Islamic Guidance [Islamic Guidance], to go to Saudi Arabia, and he has reservations. I spoke with Mr. Khatami; it was decided that they would make the preparations for the trip and, before traveling, hold a consultative meeting with the heads of the branches of government. Early in the evening, Mother and my sisters came. Effat and Faezeh were guests of the Imam's grandson. We ate the dinner we had available with the guests.