Memoirs of Akbar Hashemi – August 28, 1996

[Mr. Hossein Sheikh Zainuddin], our new ambassador in Colombia, came to say goodbye and get opinions. He gave a report on the situation there, including the extent and dominance of drug trafficking gangs and the export of carpets, stones, and dry fruits. [Mr. Jalil Besharti], the head of the deprived areas office, came to report and obtain permission for expenses and to request additional credits for the next year, and he told me about Dahaqan Shahreza, who is the father of two martyrs, and he had a dream for me that he saw me next to a green field and luxurious tents, where his martyr's son was also inside the tent. He asked me for permission to join him, but I did not agree and it was postponed.

Mr. [Syed Khatib al-Islam] Sadrnejad, the president of Sharif University of Technology, came. He gave explanations about his scientific, executive, and cultural background and the works of his management period, in order to defend against the broad opposition that is going against him, and requested for my development and visit.

Mehdi [Hashmi, CEO of Marine Facilities Company] came and reported on his work. He said that he was saved from danger and that the plane lost an engine before take off. Dr. [Hasan] Habibi, [first vice president] came. They talked about currency and administrative issues. He was allowed to travel to Georgia and Armenia, and I agreed with the first one.

In the evening [Mr. Hasan Hasanoff], the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan came. He brought the letter of Mr. [Haider] Aliof, [President of Azerbaijan] and asked for the construction of a gas pipeline to Nakhchivan and the establishment of a consulate in Tabriz. I gave a detailed interview to Sedav Sima about the trip to Isfahan. I completed the office work by nine o'clock at night and came home.