Memoirs of Akbar Hashemi – May 9, 1982

I went to the open session of the Majlis, which started at 7:30. Before the agenda, I spoke about the victory of the Beit ol-Moqaddas operation and the escape of Iraqi forces from the Hamid, Howeizeh, and Jofeir garrisons. The discussion was about the foreign trade bill, which was not finished. At noon and in the evening, I had several meetings.

At 5 PM, I participated in the meeting of the Central Council of the Islamic Republican Party. Two members, Mr. Masih Mohajeri and Mr. Alireza Mahjoub, had resigned in protest against the party's candidates for Tehran. They have done an incorrect and unpartisan act, and there were other matters on the agenda that were addressed.

Then I participated in a consultation meeting of the heads of the branches. Dr. Velayati reported on his trip to Syria and Algeria. The Algerians are being cautious and have not made clear their position regarding the plane crash. The Syrians have taken a good stance and promised further cooperation. We discussed many issues, had dinner there, and at midnight I went to the Majlis and listened to the news on the radio.

Today, the third phase of our operation to retake Khorramshahr has begun, and we have made some advances. They say the Iraqis are fleeing. Saddam has given a speech commending his forces for their timely withdrawal. Today, I suddenly experienced back pain; it has happened before.