Memoirs of Akbar Hashemi – September 25, 1996

For the [beginning] ceremony of the academic year, we went from home to Tehran University. After listening to the reports of [Mr. Mohammad Reza Aref], President of Tehran University and [Mrs. Hashemi Golpaigani and Marandi], Ministers of [Culture and] Higher Education and Health, Treatment and [Medical Education] and Dr. [Abdullah] Jasbi, President of Azad University, and giving a [first class] knowledge badge to Dr. [Abolqasem] Garji and plaques of appreciation to those who passed the exam. I gave an extended speech about the progress of universities and their promising future with regard to investments, about the need to help African countries for the development of universities, as well as the applicability of leaving universities and moderation in the program of Islamization of universities. The programs were broadcast directly on the radio.

I went to my office. [Jassim Muhammad Al-Aoun], the Minister of Communications [and Water and Electricity] of Kuwait, came to convey the verbal message of [Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad al-Sabah], the Emir of Kuwait, in order to justify us regarding the reinforcement of the American forces, due to the sense of danger from Iraq. I said that we understand their situation, but we don't think it is right to rely on America; Because the Americans are trying to keep Saddam in order to be in the region and extort money from you, and it is better to have a way to guarantee security in the region itself, and Iran is willing to help.

Dr. [Hasan] Habibi, [first vice president] came. He gave the report of his trip to Kashan and requested Kashan to speed up the construction of the water supply line. They talked about the presidential election. It seemed to me that he is not unwilling to be nominated. On the evening of the marriage ceremony, I closed the office for two of the employees and did the work until night.

Ayatollah Khamenei was my guest that night. We talked about his trip to Urmia and my trip to Zanjan. They appreciated my talk today at Tehran University and talked about the History Foundation. It was decided to meet with Mr. [Abdul Majid] Maadikhah, [the head of the Islamic Revolution History Foundation] to solve the problem; They criticize the way oral history works.

It was discussed about the films made by Mr. [Mohammed Ali] Zam, [the head of the Islamic Propaganda Organization's art department], and it was reported that he is against it. It was suggested not to oppose. Regarding the Expediency Recognition Council whose term has ended, it was decided to extend the rulings for another three years and also to give permission to use the additional foreign currency income from the budget law. Then we talked about the presidential election; They said they would remain neutral.