Memoirs of Akbar Hashemi – July 28, 2003

Mr. Taghi Qaraati, the head of the Mosque Institute, came. He discussed the problems of mosques and requested follow-up for the implementation of the mosque regulations that were approved during the Construction Crusade government. He said the current government is not implementing it. He stated that in areas where residential zones have expanded, mosques have not been built proportionally.

Mr. Hojjatollah Khatib, the Director General of Physical Education in Tehran, came. He said that the attention given to sports during the Construction Crusade government is not present now. He sought the support of the Expediency Discernment Council and stated that what Faezeh did for women's sports is unprecedented in Iran's history, broke taboos, and people and athletes are grateful. They have problems with the police and the judiciary regarding billiards and private clubs and sought help.

Mr. Mahmoud Sari'ol-Qalam, a professor at Shahid Beheshti University, accompanied by Mr. Seyyed Ahmad Mousavi, an advisor to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, came. He gave a comprehensive analysis of the state of the system and the danger of America. He said that in Iran, without the religious and the clergy, no stable government would survive, and the current system has no alternative. He stated that America's main sensitivity is related to Palestine, which is driven by Zionist lobbies in America. To bring people along with the system, the path is the same as the Construction Crusade government's policies. The Second of Khordad group has weakened the system through politicking and sidelined experienced individuals. He said that in academic and expert circles, there is a strong expectation for your renewed management. I said that I also see the path as the same Construction Crusade policies, but other individuals must be found to continue it.

In the evening, Mr. Seyyed Mehdi Khamoushi, the head of the Islamic Propagation Organization, came with the managers of the "Tebyan" website. They gave a report on the programs, axes, and development of the site.

In Iraq, clashes have intensified after the killing of Uday and Qusay, Saddam Hussein's sons. Mr. Seyyed Mohammad Bahr al-Ulum, a member of the Governing Council, in an interview with Al-Arabiya TV, expressed satisfaction with the occupiers and said they should stay for about two years until a popular government is formed, and they came to free the Iraqi people from the tyranny of the Ba'athists. He said he does not consider the term "resistance" appropriate for actions against America.

North Korea has given America an ultimatum that if it does not enter negotiations to resolve the issue, it will test a nuclear bomb in a few days, but the South Korean president considers it a bluff.

Ariel Sharon, the Israeli Prime Minister, on the eve of his visit to America, has said they will release 550 Palestinian prisoners. The Palestinians consider this insufficient.