Memoirs of Akbar Hashemi – October 20, 2003

The artists of the film produced by Imam Hussain (AS) came. Mr. [Mohsen] Ali Akbari, the producer], [Shahriar Bahrani], the director and Mr. [Ali] Naseerian reported and introduced the artists with the role they have taken and requested me to participate in one of the filming programs that is being done in Yazd. They asked for material and spiritual support. They said that Sedavasima will give 1 billion 200 million tomans, but two billion tomans are needed. I gave warnings.  

A group of scientists, lawyers and professors from Iraqi universities came. Some of them work in the Iraqi constitution drafting committees. While appreciating Iran's assistance, they requested me to explain Iran's experiences in establishing the Islamic government and drafting the constitution; I explained. I pointed out that the current situation in Iraq is sensitive, and if America fails to implement its plans, the region will be relieved for a while, and if it succeeds, the path to failure is open for Iraq and the region.

In the afternoon, Akhavi Mohammad, [a member of the Expediency Council] came and expressed his concern about the signing of the additional protocol. In the evening, Mr. Masih Mohajeri, [president's social advisor and editor-in-chief of Jomohri-e-Islami newspaper], expressed concern about the possibility of signing the additional protocol and its risks.

Mr. [Bijan Namdar] Zanganeh, [Oil Minister] came. He said, the delegation that went to Norway to investigate [the story of Statoil company] reported that the Norwegians have no reason for the accusations they made.

The directors of the medical service [insurance] organization came. They reported and said that now about 90% of people are covered by insurance. I also talked about the importance of complete and comprehensive insurance in determining the health and safety of society.

[Mr. Abdelaziz Bouteflika], the president of Algeria and his companions came. We discussed the development of cooperation. Dissatisfaction was expressed over the severance of relations in the past few years. He said that he came to Iran in 1975 and today Tehran has made good progress in terms of development. He said that they saw the exhibition of Iran's military industries and were impressed and made an appointment to buy.

America has said that there was relative calm in Iraq yesterday. Because there have been only 15 attacks on Americans. The explosion of a truck carrying American ammunition in Fallujah had created a strange scene.