Memoirs of Akbar Hashemi – September 9, 2002

Part of Ahmad Khatami’s remarks in the session of the Assembly of Experts was objected to by Mr. Majid Ansari, which led to an argument, bitterness, and Mr. Ansari’s walkout from the session, but I brought him back.

Full diary text:

In the morning and afternoon, the [Assembly of] Experts held sessions and concluded with the reading of the closing statement. The last speaker before the agenda was Mr. Seyed Ahmad Khatami [representative of Kerman province], whose remarks were partly objected to by Mr. Majid Ansari, leading to an argument, bitterness, and his walkout, but I managed to bring him back.

At night, I was the guest of Mr. [Abbas Vaez] Tabasi, [custodian of Astan Quds Razavi], in the Khordin garden [located in Shahrak-e Gharb]. It belongs to Astan Quds Razavi. His wife and children were also present. We discussed current issues, the possible resignation of some MPs and perhaps Mr. [Seyed Mohammad] Khatami [the President], if the bill for amending the election law and the president’s powers is not approved, the danger of America, the bylaws for supervising the implementation of general policies, the incomplete emergency employment plan, and the revival of the Islamic Republican Party.

France announced that it was preparing a two-stage plan on Iraq for consideration by the UN Security Council. In the first stage, Iraq would be given a two-week deadline to allow unconditional return of UN inspectors, and if Saddam [Hussein] refused, the Security Council would authorize military action and the use of force. This indicated some level of coordination between the U.S. and Europe.

In Afghanistan, a separate armed clash took place, leaving 30 dead and many more injured.

Effat and Fati called from Mecca and said they will go to Medina tomorrow.