Memoirs of Akbar Hashemi – June 17, 1995

The Russian hostage issue is not yet resolved and is of interest. The first statement of the G7 summit in Canada does not mention Iran. I went to my office and did the work. Mr. [Aliakbar] Ash'ari, deputy press officer of the Ministry of Guidance, came. He gave a report on the policy of guiding the press and advertising. I gave some reminders about solving the problems of superficiality and sloganeering in the press, as well as superficial criticisms and undermining people's trust.

Mr. Nematzadeh [Minister of Industries] came. He wanted to allocate more currency for industries. [Mr. Najibullah Lefraei], the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Afghanistan came. I asked a lot of questions about the civil wars with my friend, the Taliban and Hekmatyar, the policy of cooperation with Shia and relations with Pakistan, etc.; The answers were clear and honest. I emphasized on harmony with Shia. There were also some Shia leaders and I emphasized to them to cooperate with the government and avoid differences among themselves. They reported that there is still a Shia-Shia war in Bamyan. They have found more hope for peace.

Mr. [Ali Mohammad] Besharti, [Minister of the Interior] came and asked for the plan to reform the structure of Astana Square in Qom. They talked about the upcoming elections; I emphasized neutrality. insists on accepting me to change the constitution; For the possibility of continuing my presidency, which I did not accept. I emphasized on taking the fight against smuggling seriously.

In the evening, Dr. [Hasan] Habibi came for current issues. We had a meeting of the Supreme National Security Council, with a resolution on dealing with the PKK and how Iran and Türkiye cooperate. I finished the work at night and came home.