Memoirs of Akbar Hashemi – April 30, 1991

I read the reports until nine o'clock in the morning. [Mr. Yıldırım Ak Bulot], the Prime Minister came, we negotiated. We went to Ozal's office. With the presence of companions, a public and official negotiation session was established. General aspects of bilateral and regional cooperation were discussed.

Then we held a private and limited meeting. They talked about the way to achieve the goals in Iraq; Pressure for the trial of Saddam, failure to lift the siege, pressure for the return of refugees and, if necessary, practical intervention for the goals.

Then, with Ozal, we went to Bill Kent University, which is private and endowment, with six thousand students. Its head is a Turkish immigrant from Kirkuk, Iraq. He explained and we visited some research projects. They had prepared a simple lunch. We visited the International Document Center. They claimed to have documents from all over the world, but we understood that it was incomplete. They took some documents from the world's press about me and Mr. Velayati from the computer, but when we said to bring a prayer about Mr. [Syed Mahmoud], they did not have any documents. Even though he is a representative [of the parliament] and the director of the daily newspaper. They gave a gift; I also gave a gift in return.

Then, with some helicopters, we flew with our companions to visit the city of Konya at three o'clock. Ozal did not come. We arrived in Konya at half past four. The city leaders welcomed. They said it has a population of about six hundred thousand people. We went to the tomb of Jalaluddin Maulvi. The director of the collection explained.

Then we visited the Sama dance program, they performed especially for us: 15 people were under the supervision of a university professor. I asked them questions. I asked for the document of this action.

They said that it was taken from Maulvi's own work and it is for the comfort and relaxation of the mind. People expressed love in the streets.

We watched the city from space. It is green and has many green cemeteries. We flew to Ankara. We passed over wheat fields everywhere.

We landed in Ankara in the evening. The city of Ankara is very beautiful and green from above. We were guests of the embassy at night. A large number of employees were from our different departments. The ambassador gave a report on the situation, needs and problems and I gave them a short speech. After the congregation, we went to our residence. I fell asleep after reading reports and watching TV.