Memoirs of Akbar Hashemi - February 6, 2002 - Meeting with Ali Bagheri, the then Deputy Minister of Intelligence, where he presented a report on the case against Shahram Jazaeri Arab, along with criticisms aimed at the judiciary, especially the Tehran Gen

Context of the Dispute between Iran and America

Meeting with the Foreign Minister of South Africa

Consultative meeting with Mohammad Hossein Dana, advisor to the Minister of Oil

Meeting with Ali Bagheri, the then Deputy Minister of Intelligence, presenting a report on the case against Shahram Jazaeri Arab, including criticisms of the judiciary and particularly the Tehran General Court's procedures in forming the court and its consultations on the macro-political strategy.

Meeting with Jalal Talabani, discussing political and regional consultations.

Meeting with Abdollah Jasbi, where Hashemi emphasized the establishment of the Board of Trustees' office for the university, which was later delegated to Yasser Hashemi for management.

The significant two-on-two meeting with Ayatollah Khamenei regarding the management and outcomes of the trial concerning Shahram Jazaeri Arab highlighted exceptionally important legal and political points.

Full diary entry:

The budget for 2003 presented by the U.S. administration to Congress is regarded as a war budget. The military budget has seen a 14% increase, reaching an unprecedented $379 billion, in addition to $38 billion allocated for domestic security, representing a 50% increase. Consequently, funds for water and road infrastructure have been reduced. Democrats oppose this budget, compounded by tax cuts and a deficit exceeding $100 billion, causing their discontent.

Russia is concerned about the continued and enhanced presence of American and Western allies in Central Asia and the Caucasus. France, the day before yesterday, sent 180 soldiers to prepare a military base for effective French military presence in Kyrgyzstan, and Russian leaders have expressed their dissatisfaction with the situation following the fall of the Taliban.

In Afghanistan, despite a vast wave of international aid, the issue of famine during winter, along with insecurity, has raised American and their allies' concerns. The kidnappers of Daniel Pearl, a journalist for The Wall Street Journal, are playing with American nerves by spreading rumors about his death and negotiations. The dispute between Iran and the U.S. regarding George Bush's threats continues at the global media level.

In the diplomatic meeting with South African Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ms. Dlamini Zuma, discussions focused on African issues and cooperation strategies. Mr. Mohammad Hossein Dana, advisor to the Minister of Oil on Caspian Sea affairs and CEO of Caspian Oil Company, emphasized that oil and gas extraction in the Caspian Sea is stalled due to unresolved legal frameworks and the need for advanced drilling equipment. I suggested that the President should take the initiative to resolve legal conflicts and improve oversight of oil processes, while also enhancing northern shipbuilding and acquiring advanced tools to expedite operations.

Mr. Ali Bagheri, Deputy Parliamentary Minister of Information, reported on the Shahram Jazaeri case, criticizing the Judiciary for starting the trial without coordination with the Ministry of Information, revealing many names prematurely. His primary concern was with Mr. Abbasali Alizadeh, head of Tehran's Judiciary. I mentioned that coordination among governmental branches is the leadership's responsibility and can be facilitated. He expressed doubt about the leadership's trust in the leftist faction, complicating matters and asked for my assistance.

In the afternoon, Mr. Jalal Talabani, Secretary-General of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan, and his delegation came to explain the situation in Iraqi Kurdistan. They receive a share of Iraqi oil sales for development, education, and food from the UN but struggle to access developmental funding. They requested assistance in attracting these resources and expressed a need for electricity. They seek coordination between Iran and Iraq’s Supreme Council, especially in light of a potential U.S. attack on Iraq.

Dr. Abdollah Jasbi, President of Islamic Azad University, discussed the establishment of an online university. I instructed him to prepare an active office for the Board of Trustees to enhance our efforts. Later that night, I had a meeting with the leadership to discuss the Shahram Jazaeri trial and the announced names involved. They mentioned President Khatami's criticism, stating those who received funds for charitable purposes and had committed no crime would not be condemned. Discussions also addressed Mr. Mehdi Karroubi's statements in Parliament, seen as politically misguided, and the potential risks of American threats, which are considered plausible.