TEHRAN -- A book containing the diary of Iranian Expediency Council Chairman Ayatollah Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani about his experiences in 1989, a year when many major political events occurred in Iran, has recently been published.

 

“Reconstruction and Construction”, which has been compiled by his grandson Ali Lahuti, was unveiled at the pavilion of the publisher, the Office for Publication of the Teachings of Revolution, at the Tehran International Book Fair on Wednesday.

 

The book is a sequel to “Hashemi’s Diary”, his memoirs from the early years of the Islamic Revolution.

 

This follow-up, which was previously been entitled “The Calm after the Storm”, was renamed for publication.

 

Chapters of the 800-page book 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.”

 

MMS

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