Memoirs of Akbar Hashemi – February 21, 1989

I went to the parliament. Most of the international telexes are related to incidents related to Salman Rushdie's Evil Verses. The European economic community has all recalled their ambassadors from Iran. I told Mr. [Ali Mohammad] Besharti that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs should announce that we also want our ambassadors. Before the order, I spoke about the decision of the European Economic Community and criticized the Western method.

The reconstruction cooperative tax bill was discussed. I went to Tarbiat Modares University to participate in the opening ceremony of several doctoral courses, which lasted until noon. I gave a speech. They appealed for more funds, adjacent land, and political support. I returned to the parliament.

In the afternoon, the Islamic Propaganda Organization group arrived in Kurdistan. They reported work and requested for more funds. In the evening, the Algerian ambassador came. They talked about strengthening relations and dealing with the situation of the disabled and their martyrs' families. The taxi drivers' cooperative came and requested to amend their insurance law and get a new taxi. It has been several years since a taxi was given and usually a taxi must be replaced after five years. Mr. Nasr came. There was talk about the War Wounded Supervision Office. I said it should be handed over to the Veterans Foundation.

Mr. Malekzadegan, the commander of Nadaja [Army Navy] came. The cruise report gave the ships permission to test a Chinese surface-to-sea missile they had recently put on board, and to negotiate with the Pakistanis. Mr. [Mohammed Javad] Larijani came. Regarding the current issues with the West, it is felt that the policy of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is confused; He asked for a solution. I worked in my office until half past eight.