Memoirs of Akbar Hashemi - March 24, 2001 - Meeting with Members of the Islamic Council of Kish City and Complaints About Local Officials

Meeting with Shirazi, a Producer of Agricultural Products in Kish, and Report on His Projects
Meeting with Mohammad Safari, CEO of Kish Khodro, and Report on the Company’s Productions
Meeting with Members of the Islamic Council of Kish City and Complaints About Local Officials

Full Diary Text:

I spent the entire day at the residence. In the evening, I went to the sea. Mr. Shirazi, who has established greenhouse agriculture in Kish, brought samples of his products—melon, vegetables, peppers, tomatoes, and cucumbers—and said he has a good market. He has also prepared a desalination device. He requested my assistance to save Mr. Yazdanpanah, saying it is unlikely he is involved in financial corruption; rather, it seems that his issues stem from his newspaper [Ruznameh Azad], which he could not manage properly, or he may not have understood the situation correctly. Mr. [Mohammad] Safari, the CEO of Kish Khodro, came to present the Kish-made automobile for inspection. After considerable delays, production has begun with five units per day, mostly sold within Iran; there were plans for export. He also shared similar sentiments regarding Mr. Yazdanpanah.

In the evening, members of the Islamic Council of Kish City arrived. They expressed complaints about the Kish Free Zone Organization, stating that it does not provide them with any assistance, and they have no source of income for their monthly expenses, which amount to about one million tomans. The Free Zone law has restricted the councils' authority. They sought assistance regarding the property rights of the natives. They echoed Mr. Shirazi's comments about Mr. Yazdanpanah, stating that in a letter they wrote for this purpose, the only weakness attributed to Yazdanpanah was the state of Ruznameh Azad. They believe he has misjudged the country and the revolution, which led him into trouble and caused him to lose his support.

In India, the crisis within the cabinet and parliament remains unresolved, compounded by the conflict between Muslims and radical Hindus, which arose following the destruction of a Buddha statue. In southern Russia, three major explosions with significant casualties have occurred, with Russians blaming the Chechens, who have denied the accusations.