Memoirs of Akbar Hashemi – May 8, 1989

I reached the parliament at half past nine in the morning. The reports are still telling about the propaganda blackmail of the West about my statements in the Friday prayer. Mr. Qaiser [an employee of the Islamic Council] brought documents for the revision of the constitution. [Mr. Mohammad Javad Irvani] Minister of Economy came. He reported about the areas of cooperation with the Russians that are to be finalized during my trip: the development of iron smelting plant, the construction of two dams on the Aras River, the construction of two dams on the Karoon River, the Sfrain casting, the Sarkhas-Mashhad-Bafeq railway, the development of trade in exchange for the purchase of goods, in addition to arms deals.

Our ambassador came to North Yemen. reported there; He spoke about the poverty of the people and the people's interest in the Iranian revolution, and suggested opening the door for commercial transactions and asked for permission to invite the speaker of that country's parliament. He brought a message from Mr. [Tahir] Ahmadzadeh who asked to meet. I spoke with Mr. Khamenei about the executive branch and the modification of Friday's statements.

In the evening, I went to Tehran University and spoke about "Martyr Motahari and Social Justice" in the seminar of Shahid Motahari. In my office, the Fourth Constitutional Revision Commission had a meeting. [Mr. Seyyed Ali Akbar Mohtashmipour] Minister of Interior and his experts came. The number of parliamentarians was negotiated. It was agreed that they should bring their proposed amendment text. Mr. President moved to China and North Korea today. I worked in my office until nine o'clock at night and came home.