Memoirs of Akbar Hashemi – May 12, 1981

Parliament held an official closed session. Mr. Behzad Nabavi provided explanations regarding the Algiers Declaration, the manner of resolving the hostage issue, and the swindle in the $56 million arms purchase deal. The explanations were interesting and revealing, and infuriated the liberals. It took up all of Parliament's time, and the turn did not come for answering questions and the defense of those who had requested fifteen minutes under Article 66 of the Bylaws. It was agreed that we would hold another closed session later. He also provided explanations regarding Colonel Afrakhteh's $56 million [fraud]. Farivar has been arrested, and Karim Minachi (Minachi's nephew), Behnam, our ambassador to Spain, and the head of Bank Melli in Paris are involved. Interestingly, the liberals, who are themselves responsible for the affair, wanted to portray the government as responsible. To avoid creating tension, the government has not provided the necessary explanations.

On the occasion of the presence of Mr. [Ayatollah Seyyed Asadollah] Madani, Friday prayer leader of Tabriz, we were guests of Mr. [Seyyed Sajjad] Hojaji for lunch. Messrs. [Behzad] Nabavi, [Hassan] Sane'i, Tavassoli, and [Seyyed Hossein] Mousavi Tabrizi were also present.

In the evening, due to the many tasks I had, I did not participate in the meeting of the party's Political Bureau. I read the reports. At night, we had a meeting at the Prime Minister's Office with Messrs. Rajai, Beheshti, Bahonar, Khamenei, and Nabavi. [Representatives] from the IRGC (Sepah) came, and discussions were held regarding action against belligerent (mohareb) groups.

Then officials from Voice and Vision (Seda-va-Sima) came, and there were many discussions about their disagreements, but with few results. The disagreements are not deep, but personal tastes, inclinations, and relationships are the root cause. I came home half an hour past midnight.