Memoirs of Akbar Hashemi – July 31, 1983

Colonel Sayyad Shirazi [Commander of the Army Ground Forces] confirmed that the Iraqis had retaken the Gerdah Mend height, but the Nimeh Kalan Bo height is still in our hands, and they have a plan to continue their advance. They have sent forces to the field. The news from Valfajr 3 is also good. In the open session, before the agenda, I spoke about the war. During the parliamentary discussions, I became angry with the harsh words of Mr. [Fouad] Karimi, the representative of Ahvaz, and I spoke harshly to him. When I stood up to vote, my chair fell backward, which happened in front of the spectators. It was an unpleasant scene; I became more angry, but I controlled myself. After the break, I handed over the session to Mr. Yazdi.

At noon, Mr. Khazali came and brought a letter from one of his friends who had donated two German concrete mixers for the construction of the Grand Mosalla of Tehran - in response to an invitation for cooperation and assistance. In the afternoon, the Central Council of the [Islamic Republic] Party had a meeting; most of the time was spent resolving differences; the differences had reached a critical point. Early on, Mr. [Hassan] Shahcheraghi [supervisor of Kayhan newspaper] informed that Mr. [Ahmad] Tavakoli, the Minister of Labor and Social Affairs, had resigned and wanted it to be published in the [Kayhan] newspaper; I said it would be better to wait; the cabinet is supposed to be reshuffled, and the news should be released at once. At noon, I emphasized to Mr. [Mir-Hossein] Mousavi [Prime Minister] and at night to Mr. President to announce the cabinet reshuffle as soon as possible to end the rumors and pressures. Early in the evening, I came home, and Effat had gone to the wedding of Alamolhoda's daughter - the family of the famous martyr of Ahvaz.