USA

U.S. recognizes Iraq sovereignty over entire territory including Camp Ashraf

QUESTION: On Iraq, Camp Ashraf, the Iranian opposition, says that the Iraqis are going to move them next Tuesday, I think. Are you going to try and use your influence with the Iraqis not to move them? The opposition says there’ll be bloodshed if they do attempt to do that.
U.S. recognizes Iraq sovereignty over entire territory including Camp Ashraf
MR. KELLY: Well, I think what we would do, first and foremost, is to urge the Iraqi authorities to conduct any such relocation with the residents of Camp Ashraf, that it be done in a lawful and humane way. They’ve made clear to us, to the Government of the U.S., that they do plan to do this. And this is entirely an Iraqi planned initiative. And as I said before, we’d expect this be carried out in a humane way.

We have, all along, recognized Iraqi sovereignty over the entire territory of Iraq, including the area where Camp Ashraf is located. And as I think we’ve said before, the Government of Iraq has assured us that they would not deport any of these citizens to any country where they would — if you have a well-rounded fear of being treated inhumanely.

So we — I mean, we’re engaging the Government of Iraq. Diplomatically, we respect Iraqi sovereignty. But of course, we’re making it clear that we would expect these – the residents of Camp Ashraf to be treated well and with respect. "

0 comments
FacebookTwitterPinterestWhatsappTelegramSkypeEmail
France

France respects Iraqi sovereignty, supports dismantlement of Camp Ashraf

Written Question No. 10,055 of Mr. Jean-Pierre Chevènement (Territoire de Belfort – RDSE)
published in the OJ Senate 10/09/2009 – page 2110

Mr. Jean-Pierre Chevènement brings to the attention of the Minister of Foreign and European Affairs the very serious situation for Iranian refugees in Camp Ashraf in Iraq. France respects Iraqi sovereignty, supports dismantlement of Camp Ashraf
This camp was created in 1986 in Diyala province, north of Baghdad, to house thousands of members of the People’s Mojahedin of Iran, an opposition group to the Iranian regime.
After the 2003 fall of Saddam Hussein, who protected them and used them as his instruments, they were disarmed by U.S. forces and received the status of "protected persons" under the Fourth Geneva Convention.

On June 17, 2008, the Iraqi Council of Ministers adopted a directive stipulating that members of this organization would be expelled from Iraq. On 1 January 2009, the United States has ceded control of the camp to Iraqi authorities. Last July, the Iraqi army entered the camp by force causing many casualties (11 dead and 450 injured according to some NGOs).
He asked what action the French Government intends to take with the Iraqi Government that shed will light on these events and that steps be taken so that the Fourth Geneva Convention is respected and what steps he has taken, including the United Nations (UN) so that these refugees are not deported to the Islamic Republic of Iran given the power relationship that exists between this country and Iraq.

Response from the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs
published in the OJ Senate 12/11/2009 – page 2632

As you know, France has consistently expressed its support for the recovery by the Iraqi authorities of their full sovereignty as soon as possible. One of the milestones of this process, we have welcomed, was the agreement to withdraw American forces, adopted by the Iraqi parliament in November 2008, which stipulates that Iraqi forces gradually take over from U.S. forces and Iraqi authorities will be able to extend their authority throughout their territory. The restoration of the sovereignty of Iraq of course includes Camp Ashraf, the vast area located 80 km from Baghdad and occupied by the People’s Mojahedin Organisation (PMOI), with special status. It had been granted to them by Saddam Hussein in 1986.
 
The Iraqi authorities did not wish indeed to continue sheltering on its territory and close to Iran, a base belonging to an organization that has participated in military action against Iraq and the crimes committed by the former regime Saddam Hussein against his people. It is in this context that in January 2009, the Iraqi authorities informed the heads of diplomatic missions in Baghdad and Camp Ashraf that it could not benefit from any privilege of extraterritoriality and that it was intended to be closed through a process overseen by international law. In this context also, and as a result of failed negotiations with the camp residents, the Iraqi authorities intervened in July 2009 within the enclave to establish a police station. This unfortunately took a violent turn: eleven victims and many wounded on both sides are to be deplored.

France is naturally agreed that the implementation of the closure of Camp Ashraf is done with full respect for principles of international law. This is the message that we passed several times in the national and European framework to the Iraqi authorities, including the Iraqi Minister of Human Rights who is responsible for this issue. This requirement of respect for human rights must also apply to officers of the PMOI which, by all accounts, continues to use practices to intimidate the camp residents. Thus, they would not be free to decide their fate. As you know, France had objected that the PMOI, on the list of European terrorist organizations since 2002, was withdrawn in 2008. The PMOI is still considered a terrorist organization in several countries, including Canada, the United States and Iraq. France welcomes the efforts of the mission of United Nations Assistance in Iraq (UNAMI) through its Office of Human Rights, the High Commission of United Nations Refugees and the International Committee of the Red Cross so that a solution can be found on this difficult issue, which is respectful of Iraqi sovereignty and law.

Senate, France, translated by Iran Interlink

0 comments
FacebookTwitterPinterestWhatsappTelegramSkypeEmail
MEK Camp Ashraf

Camp Ashraf to get “terrorist-free” on Tuesday

Camp Ashraf, the home to more than 3000 anti-Iran terrorists, will be removed from the members of the Mujahedin-e Khalq Organization (MKO) this Tuesday, Iraq said.

The Iraqi government called all the media to be in Camp Ashraf on Tuesday, December 15, for a live coverage of the MKO removal from the camp in North Baghdad, Habilian Association (families of Iranian terror victims) quoted Al-Wasat news website as reporting.

This came after Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki said Thursday that his government has decided to relocate the terrorist group to a remote area in the southern part of the country before expelling them once and for all.

"Their presence at Ashraf is a major risk because of the historical ties with some groups and political powers in that area, especially the remains of the former regime and al-Qaeda," the prime minister said.

The MKO began as an Islamist leftist group opposed to Iran’s Shah, but turned to oppose the Islamic Republic elected by a vast majority of the Iranian people following the Islamic Revolution in 1979. The opposition led to assassinating more than 12000 Iranian people, including many senior officials, by the cult so far.

The MKO guerrillas also carried out attacks against Iranian targets and collaborated with Baghdad in the Iran-Iraq war in the 1980s.

The Baghdad government had been warning for months that its patience with the cult was wearing thin.

In Iraq, MKO is seen as “brainwashed cult from a high-trained terrorist organization” which assisted the Saddam regime in oppressing the Iraqi nation.

0 comments
FacebookTwitterPinterestWhatsappTelegramSkypeEmail
Missions of Nejat Society

Nejat Society meeting in Gilan

On November 25th, 2009 a group of families who were invited by Nejat Society Gilan Office, gathered in a meeting called “Appeal for Help”. They visited Mr. Hamid Hajipour and Mr. Akbar Mohebi, two recently defected members of Rajavi’s cult, Mujahedin Khalq Organization.

families who were invited by Nejat Society Gilan Office, gathered in a meeting called “Appeal for Help”

During that friendly meeting where the two defectors were congratulated on their joining their families, Mr. Ali pour Ahmad, the head of Nejat Society Gilan Office welcomed the families who are members of Nejat Society.

families who were invited by Nejat Society Gilan Office, gathered in a meeting called “Appeal for Help”

Then he presented a brief report on the activities of Gilan Branch of Nejat NGO and also on the latest news on Camp Ashraf, Iraq. He discussed new ways to help families contact their loved ones in Ashraf including visits in a peaceful atmosphere.

the families signed a petition against the cult of Rajavi who has captured their children, appealing the Red Cross and the popular government of Iraq and all International bodies,

Another part of the meeting included the speeches of Mr. Mohebi and Mr. Hajipour on the controlled, closed relationships ruling the cult’s members. They spoke of their observations and experiences among the mafia of the organization.

 

At the end, the families signed a petition against the cult of Rajavi who has captured their children, appealing the Red Cross and the popular government of Iraq and all International bodies, in order to be able to visit their children and to help them release from the bars of the cult.

0 comments
FacebookTwitterPinterestWhatsappTelegramSkypeEmail
Mujahedin Khalq Organization's Propaganda System

MKO angry backlash against transfer

Simultaneous with Iraqi Prime Minister’s remarks concerning “Transfer of Camp Ashraf residents to Nuqrat al-Salman”, MKO has started a vast propaganda blitz to show its strong opposition to the decision and blatantly tries tolerate the decision to a pressure from the Iranian regime on the Iraqi Government as it is the group’s typical.

As evidence, the group refers to an excerpt of the Prime Minister’s remarks first published on his website saying: “The decision is to expel them (PMOI members) from Iraq. We would not let these people to remain in Iraq and when there is no alternative and no opportunity, we will implement the necessary measures and moving them to Nuqrat al-Salman is a step towards expelling them (from Iraq). Their presence at Ashraf is a major risk because of the historical ties with some groups and political powers in that area, especially the remains of the former regime and al-Qaeda… therefore the decision on their displacement is a stage and there is no need for a decision by Muthanna’s provincial council because the province is a part of Iraq and all the provinces must assume a responsibility towards any challenges.”

But there are some facts in MKO’s published statement that demonstrate an open threatening tone and the possibility of a humanitarian catastrophe in Ashraf. To show how capable it is to create a bloody tragedy, the statement alludes to what it calls terrorist and criminal allegations, for which there are proven evidences, against them: “Mr. Maliki’s repeated fallacious claims against the residents of Asharaf, are merely a justification for further criminal actions against them. The ridiculous false allegation that the PMOI is associating with Al-Qaeda is yet another version of absurd claims originating from mullahs’ intelligence apparatus. Claims such as that Neda Aqa-Sultan, the martyr of the uprising of Iranian people, was killed by the PMOI and elements of the United States and Britain and also claims that the orchestrator of the killing of pilgrims in Mecca in 1987 and the bombing of Imam Reza shrine in 1994 and also the killing of Christian leaders in Iran was the PMOI.”

Decisive to expel the group from the country, the Iraqi Government has to be cautious about angry backlashes of the group that may impose heavy costs on the government and the nation.

0 comments
FacebookTwitterPinterestWhatsappTelegramSkypeEmail
Iraq

Iraq resolute to oust anti-Iran terrorists

Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki says Baghdad is serious about forcing members of a terrorist anti-Iranian group out of his country.

Maliki said the Mujahedin-e Khlaq Organization (MKO), which have the blood of thousands of Iranian citizens on their hand, will be quarantined in a far-fetched region south of Iraq before leaving the country.

MKO members have to pack up and leave the camp to Noghra al-Salman in southern Iraqi province of Al-Mosana, the Iraqi prime minister said.Iraqi security forces raided Camp Ashraf, the terrorist group’s camp granted by former Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein, two months ago and has called for their ouster.

MKO members have to pack up and leave the camp to Noghra al-Salman in southern Iraqi province of Al-Mosana, the Iraqi prime minister said.

Maliki said the transfer is a step forward towards their complete expulsion.

He said the group’s presence poses security threats to Iraqi as they can team up with members of Saddam’s Baath party.

MKO is known for their bloody, untargeted operations against Iranians after the victory of the 1979 Revolution.

0 comments
FacebookTwitterPinterestWhatsappTelegramSkypeEmail
USA

U.S. respects any Iraqi decision on MKO members

Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki said this week that members of the PMOI would be relocated from their Camp AshrafU.S. urges caution with PMOI in Iraq
Washington respects any Iraqi decision regarding members of the dissident group People’s Mujahedin of Iran but urges caution, the U.S. State Department said.

Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki said this week that members of the PMOI would be relocated from their Camp Ashraf enclave in Diyala province first to Baghdad and then to a desert outpost in the Shiite south of the country.

The PMOI opposes the clerical regime in Iran. Washington lists the group as a terrorist organization for its violent methods of opposition, though the group surrendered is weapons in 2003 and now claims its policy is based on peaceful dissent.

Iraqi forces stormed the Camp Ashraf enclave when U.S. combat forces pulled out of major cities to their military bases earlier this year. Several Ashraf residents died during the raid.

The group claims Iraqi authorities are acting out against its members under pressure from Tehran.

Amnesty International said Baghdad gave the group until Tuesday to leave the camp or they could face deportation to Iran.

Ian Kelly, a spokesman for the U.S. State Department, said Friday that while Washington recognizes Iraq’s sovereign right to exercise authority over group, human rights should be observed.

"Diplomatically, we respect Iraqi sovereignty," he said. "But of course, we’re making it clear that we would expect the residents of Camp Ashraf to be treated well and with respect."

0 comments
FacebookTwitterPinterestWhatsappTelegramSkypeEmail
MEK Camp Ashraf

US tells Iraq to treat MKO terrorists ‘with dignity’

MKO is notorious for its operations during the Iran-Iraq war and helping Saddam in the massacre of Iranians and Iraqi Kurds.

The United States urges Iraq to "act humanely and with respect" with members of an anti-Iranian terrorist group responsible for numerous bombings and assassination attempts against Iranians.

State Department spokesman Ian Kelly said Friday that Washington hopes the Mujahedin Khalq Organization (MKO) will be treated humanely and do not end up in a country where they could be harmed following their removal from their bases at Camp Ashraf.

Camp Ashraf, is situated in the northern Iraqi province of Diyala near the Iranian border, to the southern province of Muthanna.

"What we would do, first and foremost, is to urge the Iraqi authorities to conduct any such relocation with the residents of Camp Ashraf, that it is done in a lawful and humane way," he said.

"The government of Iraq has assured us that they would not deport any of these citizens to any country where they would be having a well-grounded fear of being treated inhumanely," he added.
Kelley said he will further discuss the importance of this matter with the Baghdad government in future meetings. "We’re making it clear that we would expect… that the residents to be treated well and with respect."

His comments come after Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki said Thursday that his government has decided to relocate the terrorist group to a remote area in the southern part of the country before expelling them once and for all.

“Moving them to Nuqrat al-Salman (prison) is a step towards expelling them,” Maliki wrote in a question-and-answer session posted on a state website, Reuters reported.

“Their presence at Ashraf is a major risk because of the historical ties with some groups and political powers in that area, especially the [remnants] of the former regime and al-Qaeda,” he added.

The Mujahedin Khalq Organization, which blended elements of Marxism, Stalinism, and Feminism, took refuge in Iraq after they were exiled from Iran in the 1980’s on charges of terrorism.

They resided in Camp Ashraf in northern Baghdad for the past two decades and were lucky enough to receive protected status following the US-led invasion of Iraq in 2003.

However, control of the camp was handed over to Iraqi forces earlier this year and the Baghdad government stepped up efforts to expel the anti-Iran terrorists.

The Baghdad government had been warning for months that its patience with the grouplet was wearing thin.

In Iran, members of the Mujahiden-e Khalq organizations are regarded as traitors for siding with the Ba’ath regime during the Iraq-imposed war on Iran (1980-1988).

The group became especially notorious after they masterminded a torrent of terrorist operations inside Iran, one of which was the 1981 bombing of the offices of the Islamic Republic Party, in which more than 72 Iranian officials were killed.

In Iraq, MKO is seen as “brainwashed cult from a high-trained terrorist organization” which assisted the Saddam regime in oppressing the Iraqi nation.

0 comments
FacebookTwitterPinterestWhatsappTelegramSkypeEmail
Iraq

Media invited to witness MKO transfer from Camp Ashraf next Tuesday

The Government of Iraq has decided to move the residents of Camp Ashraf, all of which residents are members of the People’s Mojahedin Organization of Iran, to another location which has not yet been disclosed.

The Government has invited the media to attend Camp Ashraf on the fifteenth day of December to cover the transfer of residents to the place allocated to them.

The issue of the MKO has been subject to protracted negotiations between the Government of Iraq and the U.S. over the fate of this organization which is classified as a terrorist group by both sides. The former Saddam Hussein’s regime gave it full protection and provided a camp, said to be the base for its [terrorist] activities. The organization’s members participated in military operations in favour of Saddam’s regime until its demise in 2003.

Wasat online, Baghdad, translated by Iran Interlink
http://www.wasatonline.com

0 comments
FacebookTwitterPinterestWhatsappTelegramSkypeEmail
Iraq

Demonstration to reject the transfer of Camp Ashraf residents

Demonstration to reject the transfer of Camp Ashraf residents to maintain peace and security

Muthanna –  Hundreds of residents of Muthanna province met in the city of Samawah on Thursday to reject the transfer of the population of”Camp Ashraf”to their province, while local officials have renewed their rejection of the order and demanded the Iraqi government refrain from any decision to transfer them to the province. Demonstration to reject the transfer of Camp Ashraf residents to maintain peace and security

Hundreds of demonstrators from the citizens and staff as well as school students, met in the concert hall (central Samawah) in the presence of the Governor and the President and members of the Al Muthanna Council, in addition to a number of tribal leaders and dignitaries in the province.

The protesters carried placards that carried dozens of expressions of condemnation and rejection of the idea of transferring the members of the People’s Mojahedin Organization of Iran (the inhabitants of Ashraf camp) to Al Muthanna, and chanted clan songs to express their refusal to meet what they described as “murderers and thugs”…

Aswat al Iraq, Muthanna – Translated by Iran Interlink

0 comments
FacebookTwitterPinterestWhatsappTelegramSkypeEmail
Newer Posts
Older Posts