Memoirs of Akbar Hashemi – August 20, 1986

After prayer and pilgrimage to Haram Sharif and breakfast, we went to Mashhad airport and went to Sarkhes gas refinery with three helicopters. We visited different parts for two or three hours and at the end I spoke to the staff. Then we went by helicopter to the pistachio forest on the Soviet border. Sarjangaldari and tenants of pistachios gave explanations. This year, two hundred and fifty tons have been leased and it is known that if they reach the trees well, it will give a better load. In the past, this wealth, which is also found in other parts of Khorasan province, has been ignored.

We went to the city of Sarkhes. We had lunch at Astan Quds Guest House, a guest of Astan Quds Real Estate Organization. Mr. Espahbadi, the CEO of this organization, explained about the properties of Astana and

He gave extensive construction projects. They take water from the Harirrod river, which is the common border between us and the Soviet Union. According to the unfair contract, 30% of the river water is from Iran and 70% from the Soviet Union, and the same amount was not used. Recently, Astan Quds has been operating by digging several canals.

We went to the border. The border is calm and unproblematic. The Russians guard the border better than us with observation towers and experienced officers and good facilities. We also visited fish and duck breeding farms and lakes.

In the evening, I gave a speech to the people at the place of the Revolutionary Guards. A good crowd had not gathered. We returned to Mashhad. We reached Mashhad in the evening. In the courtyards, we were faced with the expression of the feelings of the praying people.

At night, the executive officials of Khorasan province came. I gave a speech for them and after dinner I went to my room to rest. The prime minister stressed the need to strengthen the defense of Siri and Lark islands.