Memoirs of Akbar Hashemi – November 12, 1988

At eight in the morning, we went to Parandak by helicopter. In the Martyr Mustafa Khomeini barracks, I gave a speech to the personnel of the Revolutionary Committee and saw the system of gatherings and demonstrations. We returned to the city at half past ten. I went to the president's office for the reconstruction council meeting. At the end of the meeting, the veterans' foundation and the government and current issues were discussed.

In the evening, [Mr. Alexander Vismertnykh], the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Soviet Union, came to meet me. We talked about the development of relations and solving the problem of Afghanistan. He clearly said that the Soviet Union used to follow a deviant path in the past and now regrets it, and that there will be fundamental changes in the future. He referred to the recent developments as a revolution and said that democracy and people's participation in economic affairs will be strengthened. He emphasized for my trip to the Soviet Union.

The officials of Sistan and Baluchistan province and the Ministry of Interior came. They asked about the problems of the region. The presence of a large number of Afghan immigrants has created many economic and moral problems: smuggling, unemployment, infectious diseases and insecurity. Decisions were made to fix the problems.

They informed that about 40 cars, which probably belong to the hypocrites, have entered Sistan and Baluchistan province on the border of Afghanistan. The military forces were emphasized to be ready for suppression and Mr. Ashjaja, the governor, returned to the region. I came home I watched the series Ocean [= Years away from home]. I had dinner and then slept.