Memoirs of Akbar Hashemi – December 23, 1993

Although I went to bed later than usual last night, I woke up before the dawn call to prayer and did not go back to sleep. I listened to news broadcasts from the Voice of America, the BBC, and Iranian radio. I reviewed my schedule for the day and gathered information to use in my speeches.

At 7:30 AM, we flew toward the Lafoor region, located in the Shirgah district of Savadkuh. En route, Mr. Fallah—the Deputy for Natural Resources at the Ministry of Construction Jihad—provided a detailed and informative overview of the forests. We landed in an open area belonging to a spinning mill (Khazar-Ris) situated in the forested highlands, next to the Sonbol-Rud River. The local villagers had gathered in an impressive turnout. I toured the factory; it features modern, computerized production lines and manufactures high-quality yarn from cotton and synthetic fibers. Some of the production lines are not yet operational. I also gave an interview.

While we were with the villagers, the Governor of Savadkuh and the Director of Forestry Affairs presented comprehensive reports. There are 3,400 small, scattered villages within the forests—home to half a million people, most of whom are illiterate—along with five million head of livestock that are continuously damaging the forest ecosystem. The initiatives introduced by the Construction Jihad, which offer greater benefits to the residents, have encouraged them to consolidate their villages and livestock operations, thereby facilitating the proper and sustainable use of the forests. I spoke to them about policies aimed at alleviating deprivation and protecting the forests. They are a very passionate community; in fact, they rank first in the province for the number of martyrs contributed during the Sacred Defense (the Iran-Iraq War).

From there, we flew to the city of Noor. Engineer [Seyyed Mohammad] Gharazi, [Minister of Post, Telegraph, and Telephone], provided explanations along the way. In the town of Nur, a massive and enthusiastic crowd gathered on the Caspian coast and in the open space in front of the university. Order was well-maintained. The Friday Prayer Imam delivered a welcoming address, and children performed a fine song. I also delivered an extensive speech.

Afterward, we visited the Faculty of Natural Resources and Marine Sciences of Tarbiat Modares University, which has been established within the Tamishan Palace. This site—comprising 800 hectares of prime land on the Caspian coast—was originally developed by Ashraf Pahlavi; we recently acquired it from the Foundation for the Oppressed (Bonyad-e Mostazafan). I received a report on the current status and the requirements. I spoke briefly to the faculty and students and toured the buildings and grounds. The main palace, situated by the sea, is threatened by the encroaching water; thanks to my intervention, stone barriers have been constructed to protect it.

We then flew toward the city of Amol, landing at the IRGC (Sepah) facility. The public gave us a magnificent welcome in the streets, and an exceptionally large crowd gathered at the city’s main stadium. Due to the intense pressure of the crowd and the overwhelming display of emotion, it was not possible to deliver a structured or lengthy speech. A fine song was performed. The Friday Prayer Imam and Dr. [Ali] Larijani, the Minister of [Culture and] Islamic Guidance, offered welcoming remarks. I also spoke briefly.

We had lunch at the IRGC facility. Following prayers and a short rest, we traveled to the site of the Hezar-Sangar diversion dam on the Haraz River, located five kilometers south of Amol. Engineers provided explanations. A large number of local residents were present. The issue of a dispute between the cities of Amol and Babol—concerning the allocation of water for a desalination project to supply the neighboring region—was raised. We flew toward the city of Babol. I slept a little during the journey. We landed near the *Musalla* (prayer ground) and the university. I acknowledged the sentiments of the people. At the *Musalla*, the crowd was so dense and fervent that conducting the ceremony became difficult. The recitation of the Quran, the anthem, the welcoming remarks by Mr. [Sheikh Hadi] Rouhani, and my own speech all took place amidst the clamor and commotion of the crowd.

We then set off for the Babol Kenar region to visit the significant "Line" poultry project (a project for breeding pure-line poultry stock). Along the way, the extraordinary congestion of people caused significant delays and alarmed the security detail. We arrived in the evening and received a briefing. The facility produces 450 million day-old chicks—comprising pure-line, grandparent, and parent stock—thereby eliminating the country's need to import day-old chicks. Iran is the sixth nation to possess this technology and is now prepared for exports. Beyond achieving independence in this vital "foundational" industry, the project also results in substantial foreign exchange savings. The site spans 1,100 hectares and was originally established during the Shah’s era for the hunting and breeding of pheasants for the royal court. Before entering the poultry facility, we bathed and changed our clothes to ensure the environment remained uncontaminated. We toured the poultry houses, the egg storage facilities, and the laboratories. The engineers provided excellent explanations, and I gave an interview.

We then proceeded to the Mazandaran Telecommunications Center to inaugurate approximately thirty telephone network expansion projects in the province. These projects add 60,000 telephone lines to the province each month. Mr. Gharazi and Mr. Sanati provided briefings, and I delivered remarks offering encouragement.

Exhausted, we arrived at the seminary late—an hour and a half behind schedule. Scholars and seminary students had gathered. We were guests of Mr. Rouhani, the Representative of the Supreme Leader. Mr. Rouhani extended a welcome and spoke very highly of us and the government. The local needs were presented by the Governor. I also delivered a detailed address, explaining the general policies, the guidelines for the Five-Year Plan, and significant infrastructure services. We had dinner, and I met with a number of seminary students.

We arrived at the IRGC (Sepah) headquarters. People were still crowding the streets until nearly midnight. I wrote down my diary entries and went to sleep. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs inquired about a group in Russia that had taken hostages and seized a helicopter with the intention of traveling to Iran; I instructed them to coordinate with Russia. On the way to Babol Kenar, the Director-General of Intelligence provided a report regarding a plot by the *Monafeqin* (MEK) to disrupt my itinerary; he noted that they had been arrested and their operational plans thwarted.