Memoirs of Akbar Hashemi – February 8, 1997

I went to Tehran University for the Quds Day procession and Friday prayer. The attendance of people is large and more than every year. On behalf of Mr. Natiq [Nuri] and his office and the Friday prayer staff, they asked me to take a name from him after his speech, who speaks before the sermons, and I did. Last year, I didn't mention his name, Ishan complained. I delivered one sermon about Palestine and the second sermon about the victory of the revolution and the miracle of the revolution in victory, defense and construction.

The evening was spent reading and revising the draft of my own biography [= book during the struggle] and also writing an introduction to the second edition of the first and second volumes of the commentary on the guide. From Isfahan, they asked by phone to extend the voting period [mid-term parliamentary elections that are being held today], but the Ministry of Interior does not agree.

In the evening, Dr. Rohani, [Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council] came and gave a report of the negotiation with [Mr. Ali Fallahian], Minister of Information, regarding the issue of Faraj Sarkohi, who apparently acted badly. He also consulted about the possibility of his candidacy in the elections. Mr. Rouhani said, Mr. [Ali] Larijani told him that according to the leadership, they also want him to be nominated. It is possible that it is with the aim of preventing the victory of the left wing; We didn't get anywhere. It was decided to investigate further in order to find out who and what faction supports them.

Mr. [Aladdin] Borujerdi, [Deputy Asia and Pacific of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs], said on the phone that the Turkish ambassador came to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and asked that we call [Mr. Mohammad Reza Bagheri], our ambassador and consul from Istanbul, to Iran; Because of the pressure that comes on Arbakan's government; As a result of their statements [in the Quds Day ceremony], which have been raised by the laymen, as interference in Türkiye's internal affairs. Iftar, Faiza and [her daughter] Mona were here. Mahdi also came. He had comments about the construction plan of Naft. The company under his management, [=Marine Facilities Engineering and Construction Company], has won Soroush's tender and they have asked him to investigate South Pars as well.