Memoirs of Akbar Hashemi – November 18, 1990

I reached my office at half past seven in the morning. In the news and reports, the important issues were related to the changes in the Soviet Union as well as America's moves to put more pressure on Iraq. Mr. [Massoud Roghani] Zanjani, [Head of the Program and Budget Organization] and [his deputy, Masoud] Nili came and explained the general budget of 1970.

Mr. [Mohammadreza] Yazdan took refuge. He gave explanations about the Chabahar Free Zone, but he could not defend his opinions; I told him to go and investigate further and bring the results. Mr. [Hossein] Mahluji, [Minister of Mines and Metals] came. He complained about the pressures of the Ministry of Information on some of his managers; I told Mr. [Ali] Falahian, [Information Minister] to deal with it.

The leaders of the Afghan Mujahideen came [under the leadership of Mr. Sibghatullah Majaddadi, the president of the interim government of Afghanistan]. They demanded more support and complained about some of the actions that are being taken in Iran against some Afghans. I said that we should do something so that they do not violate. Regarding Afghanistan, I emphasized the need for unity and forgiveness in front of their comrades. Mohsen came and we talked about our work.

In the evening, I attended the meeting of the government board. [The appointment of Mr. Mahmoud Sharifian and Yahya Mohammadzadeh], the governors of Zanjan and Ilam, was approved. The Municipality of Tehran decided to adjust the taxi fare, which has recently become more expensive, with the government rate in exchange for providing spare parts and tires.

I was the guest of the leadership. We negotiated about the dispute between the Ministry of Information and the telecommunication company, over telephone control and other current issues of the country.