Memoirs of Akbar Hashemi - January 7, 2001 - Repeated Mortar Explosion Near Police Command Headquarters in Vanak, Tehran

Consultative Meeting with Hamid Mirzadeh

In-person Report from Yahya Al-Asdaq on the Condition of the Foundation for the Oppressed and Disabled

Visitation to Ayatollah Ibrahim Amini and Review of Medical Reports by Dr. Gholamreza Pourmand

Repeated Mortar Explosion Near Police Command Headquarters in Vanak, Tehran

Complete Daily Entry:

Dr. [Hamid] Mirzadeh, [Deputy of the Strategic Research Center of the Expediency Council], visited and provided a report on the progress and agenda for the Technology and Innovation Conference. They have published seventy papers in two volumes totaling 700 pages. The conference is set to be inaugurated the day after tomorrow with my remarks. This is related to the Strategic Research Center. I had an interview with the Farzanegan Research Center, where they expect me to answer their questions regarding the center's achievements, services, history, and circumstances for several hours.

In the evening, Mr. [Yahya] Al-Asdaq, [former Minister of Commerce and Deputy of the Foundation for the Disabled], visited and reported on the status of the Foundation for the Disabled, stating that it is moving toward greater discipline. The government funds most of the budget for the disabled, with 11.7 trillion rials allocated by the government in 2001 compared to 3 trillion rials from the foundation's income. Expressing deep concern over the political, economic, security, and cultural situation in the country, he mentioned that today, most rational members of society have recognized the value of the Reconstruction Government and believe that no other method can improve the situation, expecting you to become active. I stated that I do not intend to return to executive work. Ultimately, there must be a solution for suitable managers to take responsibility, and leadership has the greatest responsibility and capability.

On my way home, I visited Mr. Ibrahim Amini, [Deputy Speaker of the Assembly of Experts], at the Day Hospital; he had undergone prostate surgery and was satisfied. Dr. [Gholamreza] Pourmand, [a urologist], also arrived, providing explanations and thanking us for our contributions to improving the health care system, as well as recognizing the numerous services provided by Fati, [the head of the Special Diseases Foundation] for organ transplant patients. He mentioned examples of the rapid and profound advancements in Iranian medicine.

Today, for the umpteenth time, several mortars exploded in the Vanak area, with the Mujahideen [People’s Mojahedin Organization of Iran] claiming responsibility and stating that the target was the Police Command Headquarters. A speech featuring images of Saddam [Hussein, President of Iraq] was broadcast from Baghdad Television to counter rumors of a stroke, but opponents do not accept the authenticity of the image and the speech.