Memoirs of Akbar Hashemi – April 30, 1990

A group of workers came on the occasion of [May 1], Workers' Day. I spoke to them. Dr. Velayati, [Minister of Foreign Affairs] came. He gave a travel report and talked about his differences with the Ministry of Information and issues related to helping to release the hostages.

Mr. [Syed Mohammad] Khatami, [Minister of Culture and Islamic Guidance] and his deputy, Mr. [Mortaza] Haji, came and brought the implementation plan for tourism development; They hope that it will be successful. They used to provide materials for hotel construction and other things. Dr. [Iraj] Fadel, [Minister of Health, Treatment and Medical Education] came and consulted to replace his two deputies.

Mr. [Gholamreza] Faruzesh, [Minister of Jihad Construction] came and asked for the strengthening of Jihad and the separation of duties [with the Ministry of Agriculture and the Ministry of Energy]. Mr. [Reza] Amrollahi, [head of the Atomic Energy Organization], said on the phone that a foreign petrochemical contractor of Arak has falsely claimed that there is a radioactive zone inside; The Nuclear Energy Organization has investigated; The claim is not true.

In the evening, the Economic Council had a meeting. There was a long discussion about encouraging exports and unifying export and competitive exchange rates. The plan was approved and referred to the commission for further approval. We have also approved the general evaluation of passenger goods with daily or competitive rates.

I came home at night. While I was writing my memoirs, I was listening to the news of VOA's Farsi section, it reported that the second American hostage in Lebanon was released tonight. Statements have been made that show that the American government wants to make no concessions until the end of the freedom of all its hostages. It seems that if this is the case, the Lebanese will stop the release of the hostages and America will regret it.