Memoirs of Akbar Hashemi – March 31, 1989

I got the news. The issue of Mr. Montazeri is at the top of the reports. Western media portrays his face as moderate, freedom-loving and progressive, and the Imam's face as harsh, and interprets his dismissal as the predominance of violence and radicalism over moderation.

Mr. [Mortaza] the preacher came and explained the war engineering program, which includes controlling the southwest border waters. He should be able to use the rivers Mimeh, Doiraj, Karkheh, etc. in the service of border defense and border development. These waters are currently flowing into Iraq.

We flew with several helicopters to Abadan and the front lines. On the way, we saw green and interesting fields and Dez irrigation networks from the air. In the south of Ahvaz, we saw from the air the plan of the Seventh Tir Canal, which is supposed to transfer Karun water to the Iran-Iraq border for defense lines.

We landed in Jofir, in one of the 29th Armored Division's hideouts. I gave a short speech to the staff. From there, I went to Talaiye area by car. We visited the defense lines of the 92nd Division. They had an acceptable order. I visited some front trenches and ditches in front of the embankment and an outdoor classroom. I asked the soldiers about the food situation and the schedule of educational and work affairs, etc.; it is good

I went to the Kushk area. Where Salman Canal, about 50 meters of water enters the defense canals. This water is pumped from Karun and feeds an area with a width of two kilometers and a length of about one hundred and fifty kilometers from Talaiyeh to Shlamcheh between the lines of internal and enemy forces. This channel has become the best defensive barrier and has given security and peace to the troops. I negotiated with some trenches from the lines of the 7th division of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. The morale of the soldiers is good, but the discipline and preparation are not like those of the army, and the storage of ammunition is not good.

From there we went to Abadan. At the headquarters of Mr. [Gholamohsin] Jami Imam, there was Friday prayer and lunch, and then negotiations were held with city officials, refinery managers, and officials to clear the area of ​​mines and unexploded bullets. They were complaining about the lack of resources. We went to the refinery. I visited most of the places by car and got off at some places where the reconstruction work is interesting.

A unit has been renovated and ready for operation, which refines one hundred thousand barrels per day. Admirable actions have been taken. Tomorrow, the president is going to go for the inauguration. The staff expressed passionate feelings. In the south of the refinery, we visited the defense line on the coast of Arvand and I saw the situation of the Iraqis with a camera.

From there, we went to Mino Island by car, and I went to the shore of Arvand in front of Iraqi Sohail Island. As the night was approaching, I did not stop to talk to the warriors. We came to the field hospital of Ali Ibn Abi Talib (a.s.) where the helicopters were stationed. It was near sunset. They are not allowed to fly at this time. It is "Sunset" as they say. They flew on orders. Efat and his companions came to my helicopter and we flew to Dezful. We had about an hour flight. The families of Dezful martyrs were waiting for me at the base. The ceremony was held in the amphitheater. I spoke to them. We ate dinner and slept.