Memoirs of Akbar Hashemi – December 17, 1996

The follow-up group for dusting and cleaning the mosques came. Mr. [Mahmoud] Mohammadi Iraqi, [head of the Islamic Propaganda Organization], explained and asked me for the prosperity of mosques. I also told about the importance of the role of mosques in the past and today and the importance of attracting more people, especially young people to the mosque, and introduced the cleaning and planning of mosques as means of the prosperity of mosques, and emphasized the necessity of people's participation in the construction and management of mosques; I promised to help.

[Mr. Ghulam Haider Ebrahim Bai Salami], the representative of Khaf and Rashtkhwar came. He criticized the pressure of politicians on the Sunnis of the region and appealed for more development of the region. I want to go there for the inauguration ceremony of Shahid Yaqoubi dam. [Mr. Kamel Abedinzadeh], representative of Khoi Amade. He expressed concern about the future of the country after my term and asked for help for the stadium and petrochemicals. [Mr. Mohammad Qomi], representative of Varamin, came. He asked for the further development of the region and my presence at the opening ceremony of the Mamlu dam and a trip to Pakdasht. [Mr. Ahad Judi], the representative of Ardabil came. Thanking him deeply for my trip to Ardabil and making Ardabil a province and approving the construction of the railway and explaining about his studies and service in the Indian Alumni Association, he asked for more help for Ardabil.

Salmani came for correction. In the evening and at night, the Economic Council had a meeting with many approvals. Due to the budget discussions, we did not have a meeting for several weeks and the agenda has become dense. They announced that our football team in the UAE has defeated the Korean team with a score of six to two. I was happy I told them to thank them and promise a reward.