Akbar Hashemi's Memoirs - November 9, 1999 - Private Meeting Between Hashemi and Ayatollah Khamenei: Discontent Over the President’s Support for the Ministry of Culture and Islamic Guidance’s Cultural Programs

In today's entry, Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani reflects on a private meeting with Ayatollah Khamenei, where the Supreme Leader expressed dissatisfaction with the president’s recent visit to the Ministry of Culture and Islamic Guidance, particularly regarding his support for the ministry’s cultural and artistic programs. This is despite President Mohammad Khatami being aware of Ayatollah Khamenei’s discontent with Ataollah Mohajerani and the ministry itself. The leader had previously voiced his objections to Khatami on this matter.

During the meeting, Ayatollah Khamenei also informed Hashemi that he had instructed the Parliament and the Planning and Budget Organization to amend the third development plan, focusing on controlling foreign currency allocations and limiting areas where the government had excessive authority. Additionally, he expressed frustration with the Parliament's decision to shelve the press law proposal and indicated that he would issue a message urging them to revive it.

These developments foreshadowed the later, unsuccessful attempts by the Sixth Parliament to reform the same press law, a complex story that is expected to unfold in Hashemi’s memoirs of 2000.

Earlier in the day, Dr. Hassan Habibi, then First Vice President, met with Hashemi to discuss amending the parliamentary resolution on candidate disqualification. Habibi also urged Hashemi to enter the parliamentary elections with a view toward eventually returning to the executive branch, citing current government mismanagement and the need to revive the construction-era policies of economic development and non-partisanship. This suggestion hinted at a broader strategy within the political establishment to limit Khatami to a single term, though Khatami later surprised many by announcing his candidacy for a second term in August 2000.

Hashemi also had a meeting with Ali Akbar Velayati, who criticized the government’s management, the press, and economic policies, encouraging Hashemi to run for Parliament. Hashemi responded with his usual reluctance, while also suggesting that Velayati consider running.

Overall, the most significant moment in today’s memoir is the detailed account of Hashemi’s meeting with Ayatollah Khamenei. The Supreme Leader conveyed his concern that the enemy’s strategy was centered on manipulating the press and taking control of the Sixth Parliament, and that Hashemi’s presence in Parliament could potentially moderate this threat.