Memoirs of Akbar Hashemi – June 23, 1989

I woke up at five thirty in the morning. I could not get the news of Persian radios. The voice of the BBC and the voice of America, which was well heard in Moscow, was muffled and weak in Leningrad.

We went to the airport with an official escort and flew to Baku on a Russian plane at eight in the morning. We arrived around twelve o'clock. We were welcomed by [Mr. Wazir F] the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan and moved to the residence. The people of Baku city lined up on both sides of the streets and expressed their feelings. On the way, the Prime Minister gave good explanations about the situation of the people, industries, oil and social and economic affairs of Azerbaijan. They have a luxurious residence; It is better than Moscow.

We went to the Shiite mosque to pray. The people were well socialized and expressed passionate feelings, so much so that they terrified the Soviet agents. To be blessed, they brought themselves to me; Even women without hijab tried to kiss my abaya somehow; Despite my strong refusal, a few people succeeded. I sat on the pulpit and spoke for them. They cried a lot. Noon and evening prayers were held under my leadership. [Mr. Sheikh al-Islam Allah Shakur Pashazadeh] The imam of the mosque also welcomed. We returned to the residence.

After the lunch, which was very good and elaborate and for the first time in the Soviet Union, we had a complete and Islamic meal - of course, except for our own embassy party - we went to the palace to negotiate with the president. Mr. [Abdul Rahman] Vaziraf [Secretary General of the Communist Party] and the President of Azerbaijan spoke well about cooperation, and I also spoke about the Caspian Sea and water and environment control, etc.

We went to the Institute of Manuscripts. We visited a number of Islamic manuscripts; It is interesting. Cooperation was emphasized and I wrote a note in the memorial notebook. People gathered outside the building. We went among them and responded to their expressions.

From a high point, we watched the view of the city and port of Baku. We visited an archaeological site [Qiz Qala Si]. We also went to our own consulate and I insisted that they provide facilities for the Soviet people to travel to Iran. We returned to the residence.

I was sick of the heat, fatigue and humidity. I slept for half an hour and then we left for the airport. On the way, we saw people express their warm feelings. This popular welcome and expression of interest of the Muslim citizens of the Soviet Union is very important and meaningful for me and my companions.

After a short interview and goodbye, we flew to Tehran. On the way, we summarized the results of the trip with our companions; Satisfying for everyone. The Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Intelligence agreed to facilitate and encourage the travel of Soviet people to Iran as well as the travel of Iranians residing in the Soviet Union to their homeland.

We were at the Mehrabad airport at eight o'clock in the evening. After the welcome ceremony, an interview was conducted with TV and radio. On the way home, I listened to the text of the joint statement and memorandum of understanding between me and Mr. Gorbachev on the car radio; It is interesting. We arrived home late. We had dinner at Imam's house. I gave a brief report of the trip to the leader over the phone. Radio [Voice] of America said: "The United States has condemned the Soviet effort to cooperate with Iran."