Memories of Akbar Hashemi - February 9, 2002 - Presentation of Admiral Ali Shamkhani's Proposal for Potential Engagement with the United States

Continuation of Controversies Surrounding the Islamic Republic's Rejection of the Proposed British Ambassador to Tehran

Noteworthy Political Consultations on the Sidelines of the Expediency Council Meeting Regarding the Approval of General Urban Development and Housing Policies

Meeting with Graduates Supported by the Imam Khomeini Relief Committee

Presentation of Admiral Ali Shamkhani's Proposal for Potential Engagement with the United States

Full Text of the Daily Notes:

Iran's rejection of the proposed British ambassador has garnered significant international attention, interpreted as a rebuff to Britain and a consequence of Bush's statements, with predictions of deteriorating relations. Ahmad Motavakkel, the Taliban's foreign minister, has surrendered to American forces and has been detained; some reports indicate that he has submitted to the interim government, which has turned him over to the U.S.

The Expediency Council held a meeting. The general policies for urban development and housing were on the agenda. Council members expressed appreciation for the Friday sermon. In the afternoon, I hosted Mr. Abbas Vaez Tabasi, Mr. Ahmad Jannati, Mr. Mohammad Ali Mohagheghi Karami, and Mr. Ghorbanali Dorri Najafabadi. Mr. Tabasi expressed anger regarding Mr. Mehdi Karroubi's remarks, the Speaker of the Parliament. Discussion focused on the potential harassment from the U.S. Mr. Mohagheghi Karami stated that the leadership should not oppose negotiations with America to such an extent. They pursued the revival of the Islamic Republican Party.

In the evening, graduates under the auspices of the Imam Khomeini Relief Committee visited. Messrs. Seyyed Reza Niri and Hamid Reza Torki provided reports. There are 27,000 students under support, of which 17,000 have graduated. They expressed gratitude for strengthening the Relief Committee and supporting the student coverage plan. One student presented a compelling article regarding the departure of knowledge from the monopoly of the privileged. I spoke extensively about the role of education in uplifting the underprivileged and achieving social justice.

Mr. Ali Shamkhani, the Minister of Defense, presented a proposal regarding the potential response to the threat of American aggression. The Afghan currency is continually depreciating, currently standing at 5.5 Afghanis against one Iranian rial, down from 1.5 Afghanis per rial at the formation of the interim government. In Palestine, both sides suffer daily casualties. Palestinians, welcoming martyrdom, do not leave Israel's crimes unanswered, and there is considerable disagreement between Europe and the U.S. regarding the fate of Yasser Arafat. I stayed in my office at night.