Memoirs of Akbar Hashemi – October 23, 1990

Mr. [Reza] Amrollahi, [head of the Atomic Energy Organization] came. He brought an example of a laser made by the organization and explained it. [Mr. Isa Kalantari], the Minister of Agriculture came and gave a report on the state of agriculture; I told him to take action regarding the establishment of drip and rain irrigation facilities in Zabul; This is to save water consumption, which will probably be limited in the future.

We had a meeting with the directors of the Ministry of Oil, the Ministers of Economy and Oil, and Mr. Zanjani and Mr. Adeli, [the heads of the Program Organization and the Central Bank]. The new oil and gas exploration and production program was reviewed; In order to raise the level of the [first five-year] program, we secured funds. In the evening, members of the Parliament's [Administrative and] Employment Affairs Commission came. There was a discussion about the salary increase bill for government employees, which is in the parliament. The commission insists on approving much more than the government's proposal; I advised moderation.

The managers of daily newspapers came. I explained the current policies and by emphasizing the necessity of criticism, the limits of criticism were discussed; The leadership has entrusted me with the answer to this question. In the evening, the Expediency Council had a meeting. The debate continued in the labor law. I stayed in my office at night and worked until late.