Memoirs of Akbar Hashemi – November 5, 1989

I came to my office at half past eight in the morning. Mr. [Hussein] Mahluji [Minister of Mines and Metals] came. He gave a report on the situation of Ahvaz steel factories and complained about the harsh words I had written in the margins of a letter from the army. Mr. [Mortaza] Moqtadaei [Chairman of the Supreme Court] came. He spoke about the situation of the Supreme Court and criticized the stagnation and sabotage of works in the past.

Mr. [Ian] Eliasson [Special Representative of the Secretary-General of the United Nations] and his entourage came. He brought the Secretary General's letter and reported the negotiations in Baghdad; More hopeful than ever. I also emphasized the desire for comprehensive peace. Privately, Saddam said that if the political determination is behind the negotiations, we can quickly reach a conclusion like in 1975.

Dr. Habibi came for current affairs of the country. I was in the government meeting until 7:30 in the evening. We had discussions with the leadership on political, military and economic matters until half past nine. Boredom has yet to recover and I went home tired.

The football match between Iran and Iraq teams in Kuwait was the focus and sensitivity of the people today. I told them to promise that if they win, they will receive important prizes. The game ended 0-0 and because our team has more points, we are at the top of the group as a result. The encounters in the field are serious, but combined with sobriety and friendship and have a good overall effect.

Engineer [Akbar] Turkan [Head of the Defense Industries Organization] gave the results of negotiations with the Soviets in military purchases; I accepted