Memoirs of Akbar Hashemi – June 22, 1985

I woke up near sunrise for prayer and did not sleep again. I have little sleep. The view of the sunrise on the Mediterranean coast, which is visible from the bed, is very beautiful. I wrote down the issues that we should include in the joint statement - the issues of war and Lebanon and Palestine - to give to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The military group came along and reported on their meetings yesterday. They brought news that was not important. The issue of the hijacked American plane in Beirut is still the most important issue in the world. The hijackers have made Israel and America desperate and want the freedom of about 700 Palestinian and Lebanese prisoners in Israel.

We visited the Tripoli air base with a group of companions. We saw the Mirage overhaul hall, the MiG-25 aircraft, and training fighters. The soldiers stayed to get more explanations about the SAM missiles and the MiGs' specifications, and we visited the port while riding the car. It is a huge port.

We were supposed to have a meeting with [Major Abdul Salam] Jaloud, but it was postponed to Asr because of their disorganization. In the evening, we had a long and five-hour meeting with Jalod and his accompanying ministers. We discussed the war with Iraq and the future of this country, the price of oil, the opponents of the Iraqi regime, the issue of Lebanon, Palestine, Syria, Amal and Nabi Berri, and the issue of Mr. [Moussa] Sadr, which was fruitful.

It was decided to provide military assistance with missiles and radar, etc., and make a joint statement. The dinner was given by Mr. Jaloud in my honor by the invitation of foreign ambassadors living in Libya, and Sarmiz gave a detailed speech and said good words. As it was late, I spoke briefly in the crowd. It was a good meeting.