Memoirs of Akbar Hashemi – May 14, 1992

I woke up at half past five in the morning. Until half past eight, there was prayer, breakfast, reading and listening to the news. I went to the Congress of Imam Reza (AS). Mr. [Abbas Waez] Tabasi, [Tulait Astan Quds Razavi] welcomed and gave a report on the works of Astan Quds. I gave the opening speech about Imam Reza's (a.s.) velayat, politics of Imam Reza (a.s.) and Mamun and Imam Reza's (a.s.) victory.

Then we went to visit the library under construction. Engineer Moshiri explained; It is very interesting. For one million volumes of books, suitable halls, reservoirs, reading houses, mosques and amphitheaters will be built with good architectural style. They are waiting for the allocation of currency for the heating facility, which will be opened by the end of the year.

Based on the model, they explained the general plan of reforming the structure of Haram Sharif. Outside the library, a large crowd was waiting for me to leave. I walked past people and responded to their feelings.

We visited Fleke underpass by car. It is a huge job and it will be operational in two or three months. The government's assistance to provide currency and materials has been effective in the speed of work. We returned to the residence. On the way, people and pilgrims warmly expressed their feelings. We negotiated with Mr. Tabasi about accepting Turkmen students. Talked with Governor and Minister of Energy and [Hamid] Mirzadeh about Mashhad's water supply.

I had a break at noon. In the evening, we went to Mashhad for the opening of the telephone center [Talab and Enghalab]. Four centers in Mashhad and Tehran with hundred thousand numbers were opened at the same time. Telecommunication managers gave a very long report. Contact was made with other opening centers by phone. I also spoke briefly. The speed of operation of the Ministry of Post, Telegraph and Telephone is good. On the way, the people of Mashhad gathered and expressed their passionate feelings.

Then I gave a speech in the gathering of people in the courtyard. Mr. Tabasi said welcome. It was a huge community. At night in Khorasan governorate, in the administrative council of the province, I listened to the report of the governor and managers and I also spoke; Dinner and return and rest with fatigue.