Memoirs of Akbar Hashemi – December 9, 1993

Mr. Kamali came from the Ministry of Information and explained about the commercial and economic activities inside and outside for information coverage. Dr. Adeli, [head of Central Bank] came. He explained about currency issues and the agreement with Mr. [Mortaza] Mohammad Khan, [Minister of Economic Affairs and Finance] and asked for permission to change some managers. Mr. Mohadi, the security commander, came. He explained about the protection issues and asked for more facilities for the protection unit.

Managers of Gilan province came. [Mr. Seyyed Ali Akbar Tahaii], the governor, reported about the province and the reconstruction of the earthquake ruins. They asked for help for the rest of the work and I encouraged them. Mehdi came in the afternoon and talked about gas and oil plans.

In the evening, at the meeting of the government board, we completed the review of the 1973 budget notes. The news came that Ayatollah Golpaygani has passed away. We announced a week of public mourning and I sent a message of condolence to the leadership. We went to Mrs. Bhutto's residence for dinner with the family, Efat, Fati, Faeza, Mohsen, Mehdi, Azam, Fereshte, and Kazem. Bhutto and [Mr. Asif Ali Zardari], her husband and two of her relatives. The meeting was warm and intimate and the talks were diverse and friendly. Faeze met him the same evening. They were in Mashhad today and they were satisfied with the trip. In the evening, they had gone to buy Iranian chandeliers and sofas and were very satisfied and surprised by the abundance of goods in Iranian stores.