Memoirs of Akbar Hashemi – August 31, 2003

At half past ten in the morning, I went to Martyr Motahari School for the commemoration ceremony of Martyr [Syed Mohammad Baqer] Hakim, [Speaker of the Supreme Assembly of Iraq], which was organized by the leadership. Something called the body of a martyr was buried in Kazmin today. Hundreds of thousands of people participated with great enthusiasm; Similar to the funeral of the martyrs of the Islamic Republic of Iran and the feelings of the Iraqi people in their favor are very high. There is a lot of pressure on the Americans who have not been able to ensure the country's security.

Mr. [Mohammed Ali] Mousavi, our ambassador in Canada, came. He said, the level of relations was good, but the issue of [the death of] Zahra Kazemi, [Iranian-Canadian journalist in Evin prison] and especially after the meeting of their ambassador with Mr. [Saeed] Mortazavi, [Tehran's prosecutor], has become bad, and American supporters are creating sedition in Israel. He asked me to help. The arbitration council, which was formed by the leadership to resolve the dispute between the judiciary and the [Ministry of] Information, should give an opinion soon.

Mr. [Syed Mohammad] Hosseini, our ambassador in Senegal, came. He criticized the government's lack of attention to Africa and said that your trip to Senegal, especially the trip to the city of Tuba and the meetings with the leaders of the Moridiyeh, Tijaniyeh and Qadiriya sects, is a good asset for relations and is important in their circles. He said that America is gradually pushing back France in Senegal.

Mr. [Bijan Namdar] Zanganeh, [Oil Minister] and [Akbar] Turkan, [Deputy Oil Minister] and Mehdi, [CEO of Fuel Consumption Optimization Organization] came. They have a huge plan for the development of industries related to gas and oil, petrochemicals and energy industries on the coast of the Persian Gulf, which is significant, I approved, and it was decided to bring the fourth plan into the perspective and preparation of the land and policies.  

In the evening, Mr. [Mohammed] Jafari-Gilani, [Syedhasan] Rabbani and [Mustafa] Mahami came [from Qom's Islamic Propaganda Office]. They gave an explanation about the new management changes and asked for more funds. They talked about the publication of the Qur'an culture and the interpretation of the guide.

At night, I went to Fati's house to greet Sara and the twin girls. One has been brought home and the other is in the hospital. The names "Maryam" and "Lila" have been chosen for them. I said the call to prayer and Iqamah in Maryam's ears. I was there for dinner. Dr. Saghari was there with his family.