Memoirs of Akbar Hashemi – July 12, 1996

From home, we went to the new intercity, international and data center [on Sheikh Bahai Street]. It is similar to the Imam Square Telecommunication Center; But more modern and comprehensive. After unveiling the memorial plaque, I participated in the briefing session. The heads of the delegations of the telecommunication conference also came. Mr. [Mohammed] Naraghi, [Deputy Education and Telecommunication Technology] reported: 350 thousand square meters of building, with an investment of 170 billion tomans and a five-year construction period. We visited different departments. In the audience, after listening to the report of Mr. Gharehi, [Minister of Posts, Telegraphs and Telephones] and awarding [third degree of merit and management and service] to Mr. [Mohammed] Naraghi and [Abdul Mohammad] Darat, [member of the board of directors of Iran Telecommunications Company],

I gave a detailed speech about Iran's self-sufficiency and independence in most of its needs, and I pointed out the dangers of dependence and weakness of Islamic states in front of Israel, due to this dependence.

I went to my office. Mr. [Mohsen] Kongerlu came. He gave incomplete information reports. Mr. Ali Hojjati Kermani, while expressing his loyalty, asked for my attention and applied for the import of a batch of tires for a commercial company - without transferring currency, which is currently prohibited. Mr. [Mohammed Taqi] Abdus, the imam of Friday Karaj, came. He asked for help for the problem he was caught in. The leadership has given the order to remove him from the Friday Imamate.

Mr. [Ali] Bualfath and Mr. [Ahmed] Taha, the former representatives of Poldakhtar and Bukan, came. They complained about violations and applied for jobs. Mr. [Mohammedreza] Nouri [Shahrudi], our new ambassador to Saudi Arabia, came to say goodbye and get opinions on improving relations with Saudi Arabia. [Mr. Mohammad Naseem], the Minister of Telecommunications of Bangladesh came. They said that he had a written message, which he did not have. The negotiations were friendly. I came home in the evening. We had thunder and rain. Mehdi and Fereshte came to welcome.