Memoirs of Akbar Hashemi - August 22, 2001 - Hashemi's Account of Reactions Against Seyyed Mohammad Khatami's Cabinet and the Possibility of Attacks by the Office of Strengthening Unity

Meeting with the Russian Ambassador in Tehran and Political Consultations with Hashemi

Consultative Meeting with Mohammad Raisi, Representative from Shahrekord in Parliament

Meeting with Mohammad Reza Sadegh and Reports from His Area of Responsibility

Meeting with Gholamreza Forouzesh and Reports on Disputes in the City Council and the Then-Mayor of Tehran, as well as Evaluating Seyyed Mohammad Khatami's Cabinet

Hashemi's Account of Reactions Against Seyyed Mohammad Khatami's Cabinet and the Possibility of Attacks by the Office of Strengthening Unity

Full Text of the Daily Memo:

[Mr. Alexander Mariasov], the Russian ambassador, came. He knows Persian well. The discussions were in Persian. We talked about bilateral issues, the Caspian Sea, the Caucasus, Afghanistan, Central Asia, and Tajikistan. We also emphasized the continuation of work in nuclear, military, gas, and oil matters.

Mr. [Mohammad] Raisi, the representative from Shahrekord, came. He expressed concern about the economic and employment problems of the people and mentioned that he had considered resigning from his position because Parliament is not doing anything for the people and their political maneuvering has occupied them. He brought some sweets and invited me to travel to Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari.

Mr. [Mohammad Reza] Sadegh, from the public relations office of the [Expediency Discernment Council], came. He spoke about the propaganda tactics of infiltrators and provided solutions for improving public relations. In the afternoon, Mr. [Gholamreza] Forouzesh, [a member of the Tehran City Council], came. He discussed the severe disputes and conflicts within the Tehran City Council and their conflicts with the mayor, which have harmed the city's affairs. He expressed concern about these disputes and the general situation in the country, emphasizing the need for solutions. He views the cabinet proposed by Mr. [Seyyed Mohammad] Khatami as weak and political. Yesterday, Mr. Khatami, [the President], submitted the new cabinet to Parliament.

The significant discussion among domestic and foreign media is focused on the issues of the proposed cabinet. There is a near consensus that the cabinet does not meet the expectations of the people. Each group has its own reasons for opposition. It seems that several proposed ministers will not gain a vote of confidence. Harsh words are also being spoken against Mr. Khatami from within the Second Khordad Front. Mr. Forouzesh mentioned that he is aware that the Office of Strengthening Unity also intends to begin its opposition.

Rain is falling in most parts of Iran. The casualties from flooding in Golestan Province have exceeded 300: 170 dead and 130 missing, with more than 20 billion tomans in damages. If it weren't for the Golestan Dam, the risk of devastation would have been much higher.

The crisis between England and Ireland has also escalated, with England shutting down all civil institutions. In Lebanon, the army has arrested about 250 opponents of Syria's presence, and numerous protests are ongoing. Today, many people in Syria, Jordan, and Palestine are striking in protest against Israel.