Memoirs of Akbar Hashemi - June 17, 2001 - Consultation with the Office of the Leader of the Islamic Republic Regarding the Response to Sheikh Mahdi Karrubi's Question About the Investigation of the State Broadcasting Organization

Consultation with the Office of the Leader of the Islamic Republic Regarding the Response to Sheikh Mahdi Karrubi's Question About the Investigation of the State Broadcasting Organization, Which Despite Ayatollah Khamenei's Negative Opinion, He Had to Agree to Sheikh Mahdi Karrubi's Request. However, Eventually, After the Investigation of the State Broadcasting Organization, As Previously Written, the Case Was Referred to the Judiciary, Resulting in a Dismissal Order from the First Branch of the Government Employees Prosecutor's Office.

Meeting with Turkey Safar, the Syrian Ambassador in Tehran

Follow-up Meeting with Abdullah Jasebi and His Complaints About His Low Votes and the Conservative Faction, Proposing the Establishment of a Party and Hashemi's Emphasis on Greater Collaboration with the Historical Foundation Managed by Sheikh Abdul Majid Ma'adi Khah

Meeting with Habibollah Bourbour and a Report on the Actions of the Organization for Renovation, Development, and Equipping of Schools in the Country

Meeting with Members of the Islamic Coalition Party and Hearing the Report from Habibollah Asgaroladi

Full Text of the Daily Entry:

Mr. [Turkey Safar], the Syrian ambassador, came. He provided a report on the situation in the Middle East and Palestine and Israel. He said that the peace negotiations are dead, and Israel is likely to resort to war. I inquired about the partial withdrawal of Syrian forces from Lebanon. He stated that it was minor and a sort of troop reallocation; however, later that night, news arrived that all Syrian forces had exited Lebanon. He mentioned that Iran's role in the Palestinian issue is significant, and cooperation between Syria and Iran is effective, as has been the case in Lebanon, adding that they have no hope of regaining the Golan Heights. He asked for my opinion on regional issues and said that in Syria, they seriously consider your views.

Dr. [Abdullah] Jasebi came by. He is upset about the decline in his votes and blames the right faction, contemplating the establishment of a party. I emphasized the importance of collaboration between the [Islamic Azad] University and the [Revolutionary] Historical Foundation.

Mr. [Habibollah] Bourbour, the head of the Organization for Renovation, Development, and Equipping of Schools, came. He explained the technical issues related to the conference that I am to inaugurate tomorrow. In the afternoon, members of the Islamic Coalition Party visited to commemorate the anniversary of the martyrs of the Coalition. Mr. [Habibollah] Asgaroladi, the Secretary-General of the Islamic Coalition Party, spoke briefly, and I discussed June 15 and the role of the Coalition.

The leadership office consulted me regarding the leader’s response to Mr. [Mahdi] Karrubi’s letter, the Speaker of the Parliament. Mr. Karrubi faced pressure from representatives after his proposal for an investigation into the [State Broadcasting Organization] was removed from the agenda, and he sought assistance from the leader, who resolved his issue by responding to his letter and agreeing to the investigation.

In Bangladesh, a few days ago, a bomb exploded at one of the ruling party’s centers, killing more than eight people and injuring over 100. The ruling party has requested demonstrations from the public. In Indonesia, with a 30% increase in fuel prices, government problems have intensified, leading to widespread protests.