Memoirs of Akbar Hashemi – August 25, 2003

Mr. Hossein Afrideh, the representative of Shirvan [and the former head of the nuclear physics department of the Atomic Energy Organization] came. He had objections to the performance of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Atomic Energy Organization regarding nuclear issues: firstly, he considers the president's announcement [of nuclearization by Mr. Khatami] to be untrue and far from expedient. Secondly, regarding the sampling of Natanz Vakala Electric believes that it was not done correctly; Because we could take samples ourselves. Thirdly, after sampling, we should have kept a portion and sent it to external laboratories along with the sample of the expert team. They may claim otherwise. He is an expert in nuclear sciences and used to work in the Nuclear Energy Organization and now he is an expert in the International Atomic Energy Agency. We have to follow up on these things.  

Mr. [Mehdi] Ghioran and [Morteza] Sanayi, [CEO of Fajr Petrochemical Company] came. Mr. Sanayi explained his services in the cement and petrochemical industries and complained about the opposition he is facing now to continue working in petrochemicals. He said that he managed the construction of a part of Imam Port.

Mr. [Mohammed] Atrianfar, [former chairman of Tehran city council and former editor-in-chief of Hamshahri newspaper] came. He brought the example of the new newspaper "Sharq". The privilege belongs to Mr. [Mehdi] Rahmanian, but the responsibility has been given to him. He criticized the performance of the Participatory Party and the Second Khordadi parties and said that they are now regretting and trying to repair their vandalism, and they are going to negotiate with you and the leadership in this regard. He said, unfortunately Mr. [Said] Hajjarian, [due to the effects of the assassination], can only speak for three hours a day.

Asr [Mr. Hossein Sari, Director of Quran Radio, Habib Kashani and Hassan Bayadi, members of Tehran City Council, Mohammad Reza Pourmain, Director of the Koran Museum, Mahmoudreza Zakaut, Director of the Dar al-Qur'an of the Army, Hossein Pourmousavi, Director of the Basij Dar al-Qur'an, Hossein Eskandari, Project and Supply Manager of the Quran Radio, Reza Siraj, Cultural Vice President of Tehran Basij and Gholamreza Ahmadi, Executive Secretary of the project, members] The fourth period of the nationwide plan] verses of life and promotion of the Qur'an came and explained their works. While confirming their work, I also gave them some reminders.  

The leadership has officially condemned the assassination attempt on the life of Ayatollah [Syed Mohammad Saeed] Hakim, [from the authority of Taqlid of Najaf Seminary] with a statement. In Najaf, today at the funeral ceremony of the martyrs of the explosion, America was strongly protested.  

In front of George Bush's personal farm, a demonstration was held against the continuation of the US military presence in Iraq, and in an opinion poll [Newsweek magazine], 69% of the American people considered Iraq to be America's swamp, and the majority of people opposed Bush's re-election [to the US presidency].

In India, 46 people were killed and 150 were injured in the explosions in Mumbai. In Russia, a number of Americans were killed and injured in two explosions, and in Iraq, a number of Americans were killed and injured. In Palestine, Israeli aggression and killing continues.