Memoirs of Akbar Hashemi – September 18, 1993

Dr. Najafi, [Minister of Education] came early in the morning. Together, we went to Hafez Girls' School for the beginning of the academic year. He explained on the way. After reciting the Quran and the Minister's report, at eight o'clock I rang the bell for the beginning of the academic year, which was broadcast live on the news. I spoke for the students. I visited some classes and talked with teachers and administrators in the school office. The school has two fascinations; About 450 students study in each shift. Then I visited a boys' school and talked with the children. Outside both schools, a large number of local people had gathered and expressed their passionate feelings.

Mr. Nurbakhsh, [President's economic deputy] came. We talked about outstanding foreign currency debts, a trip to the World Bank, and the introduction of the new Minister of Economy. Mr. [Mustafa] Mirslim, [Secretary of the Supreme Council of the Cultural Revolution], came for the order of the Supreme Council of the Cultural Revolution.

Mr. [Akbar] Turkan, [Minister of Roads and Transportation] came. He gave a report on the work of the Ministry of Roads and Transport and reviewed the status of the deputies and important projects. The Imam Khomeini (RA) International Airport, the Tehran-Mashhad Railway, the Northern Highway, the construction of the Caspian Coast, the Locomotive Repair Shop, the second program credits and the railway management were discussed.

Dr. Velayati came in the evening. They talked about America's message and its response. The Supreme National Security Council had a meeting. We discussed the security of Kurdistan and the Palestinian issue and my telephone conversation with Fahd, the King of Saudi Arabia. In the evening Mr. [Ali Akbar] Natiq [Nuri, Speaker of the Islamic Council] came. We talked about [the minister's introduction to] the Ministry of Economy.