Iran`s EC chairman to publish diary from 1989

TEHRAN,Dec.14(MNA) -- Iranian Expediency Council Chairman Ayatollah Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani planned to publish a diary describing his experiences from 1989, a year when many major political events occurred in Iran. “The Calm after the Storm” is a sequel to “Hashemi’s Diary”, his memoirs from the early years of the Islamic Revolution, Hashemi’s eldest son Mohsen Hashemi told on Monday. “The final editing of the book has been completed and we are currently busy selecting some supplementary materials, including documents and photos for appendices,” he added. Afterwards, Mohsen Hashemi plans to send an application to the Ministry of Culture and Islamic Guidance for a permit to publish the work. The Culture Ministry refused to grant a license for the republication of “Hashemi’s Diary” in 2007. Chapters of the 800-page book will include details about the death of Imam Khomeini, the Founder of the Islamic Republic, and Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei’s succession to the leadership of the country. The book also contains facts about the dismissal of Ayatollah Hosseinali Montazeri from his position as official successor of Imam Khomeini. Following is an excerpt from the entry he wrote for May 31, 1989, just four days before the demise of Imam Khomeini: “I called on the Imam’s home. Physicians and relatives felt satisfaction. Mr. Ahmad (Imam Khomeini’s son) was concerned and emphasized the need for rapid completion of the amendment to the Constitution. “I stood beside the Imam’s bed and put my hand on his hand. He took my thumb and said in halting words, ‘Speed up the amendment of the Constitution.’ “Then he opened his eyes and enunciated in a low voice, ‘If you are united, the revolution will progress.’ After a pause, he said, ‘Particularly you and Mr. Khamenei, do not let the slinking ones create a division between the two of you.”