Memoirs of Akbar Hashemi – November 25, 1997

A group of Basij commanders came. Mr. [Alireza] Afshar, [Commander of Basij] reported. I gave the prizes to the ten winners. They also gave me a statue. I gave them my diary [of the struggle period]. I talked to them about the services of Basij and mentioned the Imam's instructions about the leadership of Ayatollah Khamenei.

Dr. [Abdullah] Jasbi came. He reported on the work of Islamic Azad University and Konkur and talked about current issues and problems caused by the new movement of Ayatollah Montazeri. Dr. [Mohammed Ali] Najafi, [Head of the Program and Budget Organization] came and gave a report on the important points of the 1377 budget that they have completed; They have continued the adjustment policy, but they have reduced the construction budget.

Akhvi Mohammad, [executive vice president] came. He consulted with the leadership to give a declaration by [the party] construction agents; I agreed. He talked about future problems and current issues. It was decided to postpone the anniversary ceremony of the late Hajiya Waldeh for two weeks due to the inflamed situation of the Qom seminary. Today, the newspapers have paid special attention to my interview yesterday; [Left and right,] both sides are satisfied.

In the evening, I read the reports and did the work. I came home at night. There was a demonstration in support of the leadership today. There are many interpretations and analyzes inside and outside. The first official declaration of support for Ayatollah Montazeri was given by the women's society headed by Mrs. Azam Taleghani; Others will probably do it gradually.