Memoirs of Akbar Hashemi – November 22, 1997

In the expediency of the system, we approved the introduction of the examination of examples of the general policies of the system. After the meeting, Mr. [Mohammed] Yazdi, [Head of the Judiciary] came. Regarding the situation of the majority of the community of educators [Qom Theological Seminary], regarding Ayatollah Montazeri, they complain that they do not take the danger seriously. We discussed with Mr. [Abbas Waez] Tabasi about the problems that may arise due to the recent actions of Mr. Montazeri and Mr. Azari [Qomi] and the damage of the loss of leadership.

In the evening Mr. [Hamidreza] Asefi, our ambassador in France came. After being forced to stay in Tehran for months, he has left for France. If we gave this amount of points, I did not accept and said that it was resolved in a good way and they themselves admitted the victory of Iran. He expressed concern about internal disputes regarding the leadership. He believes that these interactions with Ayatollah Montazeri are not beneficial, and the majority of people will not be influenced by this type of propaganda, and even the Imam's letter will not have a serious effect against Mr. Montazeri. Especially the behavior of radio and television.

Mr. Kamal Kharazi, [Minister of Foreign Affairs] came. gave the report of the trip to the south Arab countries; He is very satisfied, especially with the warming of relations with Saudi Arabia. He said that their friendship with me is an important factor and they respect me a lot. He expressed concern about the way the leadership was present at the meeting [of the heads of the organization] of the Islamic Conference to speak at the beginning of the work. He thinks that the guests will not like that style. He said, in the negotiation he had with the leadership, following Mr. Khatami's previous negotiation with him, [the president] felt that the leadership had become sensitive to the government's bargaining and asked me to help in some way.

I stayed the night in my office. In the reports, the news of popular demonstrations in support of the leadership and against Ayatollah Montazeri is widely spread in most cities. In today's reports, the dominant part of the news is the support of people and organizations and personalities for the leadership.

Mr. [Burhanuddin] Rabbani, the President of Afghanistan, came in the evening. He described their situation as shortages, problems, and needs, especially in winter, and the lack of help from Russia based on appointments. He was examined in the hospital in Tehran for two days; He has a vascular problem that needs to be taken care of.