Memoirs of Akbar Hashemi - March 16, 2001 - Friday Prayer Coinciding with the Anniversary of Seyyed Ahmad Khomeini's Passing Criticism from Ayatollah Khomeini's Family Regarding the Broadcast of a Film about Ayatollah Khomeini

Full Diary Text:

For Friday prayer, we went to the Imam’s shrine, which was held on the anniversary of Ahmad Agha's passing at the [Imam Khomeini (RA)] shrine. The Leader delivered the sermons and conducted the Friday prayer, while I performed the afternoon prayer. In his remarks, the Leader condemned the foreign support for the second Khordad faction and, citing Imam's words on the matter, urged those receiving support to position themselves in a way that would discourage outsiders from creating a rift among officials. He stated that with the current conflicts, significant and essential work cannot be accomplished in the country. Efat was also present and mentioned that the families of the Imam’s relatives criticized a film about the Imam's life that has recently been broadcast on television, saying that other families are also dissatisfied and consider its content unjust.

In the evening, our relatives were guests. Efat had prepared cooked head and trotters. Regarding global issues, in Saudi Arabia, the killing of two Saudi agents ended a hijacking by Russians. The International Court of Justice issued a ruling concerning the disputes between Qatar and Bahrain over several islands, granting the Hawar Islands to Bahrain and the Al-Zubara, Janan, and Fisht al-Dibal islands to Qatar. The King of Bahrain referred to this ruling as a victory for Bahrain, while the Emir of Qatar expressed regret over the ruling regarding the Hawar Islands and the loss of two small islands, yet both countries were satisfied with the resolution of the dispute.

In Macedonia, the clashes between Albanians and Macedonian authorities have once again created tension in the Balkans and posed difficulties for NATO. In India, the issue of bribery involving the Defense Minister has led to a widespread political crisis. The Indian Parliament has been adjourned for three days, several ministers have resigned, and the government cabinet is at risk of collapse. In Pakistan, [General Pervez Musharraf], the military leader, has decided to confront leaders of sectarian groups and has detained several Shia and Sunni leaders. Thirty American congressmen have urged the government to pressure Russia over its sale of arms to Iran and nuclear cooperation. The outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease has caused significant problems across Europe and many countries.