Iraqi MP Sheikh Jalaleddin al-Saghir has said the government will expel MKO members if they fail to leave the country before their six-month deadline is reached. “After the deadline passes, the Iraqi government will not tolerate any pressure, or interference aimed at keeping MKO members in the country,” Arab media quoted Sheikh Jalaleddin al-Saghir as saying. “The procedure will be carried out according to a government decision. MKO members will be handed over to the Red Cross so that they can leave for another country,” said al-Saghir. The Mujahedin Khalq Organization [MKO] is recognized as a terrorist group by Iran, Iraq, Canada, the United States, and the European Union. The organization, closely allied with former Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein, has carried out numerous bombings, assassinations, and terrorist attacks in Iran and Iraq over the past 25 years.
Iraqi cabinet rules to expel Mojahedin Khalq terrorists (Rajavi cult or MKO) as Iran accuses UK of using the sameTerrorists Iraq’s cabinet says it is adopting the appropriate measures to expel the terrorist Mujahedin Khalq Organization (MKO) from Iraqi soil.
According to the cabinet’s ruling, MKO terrorists will remain on Iraqi soil, however, they will be required to comply with Iraqi regulations until they leave the country.
Based on the ruling any transaction with the terrorist group or any connection with its members, who assisted former Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein in the massacre of thousands of Iraqi civilians, is strictly forbidden.
In the Iraqi cabinet statement Multi National Forces have been urged to allow Iraqi authorities to deal with MKO terrorists and to hand over checkpoints and all other related issues.
According to a source close to the ruling coalition in Baghdad, the Iraqi government is currently negotiating with US forces to take control of MKO bases in the country.
The MKO has been blacklisted as a terrorist group by many countries and international organizations.
Iraqis to stage rallies against the presence of Mojahedin Khalq Terrorists (Rajavi Cult) in their country People of Khalis called for staging demonstrations against MKO terrorists. According to FNA foreign policy correspondent after issuing several resolutions against MKO by Maliki administration on June 18, Sunni people in Khalis called, through different announcements, for all Iraqis Demonstration against MKO presence in Iraq.
Khalis is a region between Karkuk and Baghdad, while only 28 kilometers away from camp Ashraf (MKO main base). The recent announcements by the people in this region for staging rallies against MKO presence in Iraq, has made the atmosphere suitable for the expulsion of this terrorist group from Iraq.
Noticeably, after the issuance of several resolutions by Maliki administration making any engagements with this group illegal and prohibited, all Iraqi as well as non-Iraqi organizations, parties and groups are strictly banned from selling goods to MKO or buying goods from them or else the offender would face the law.
Iraqi cabinet has in its latest meeting stressed expulsion of the terrorist Mujahideen Khalq Organization ”MKO” from Iraqi territory.
Meanwhile, A recent cabinet approval bans any engagement with the MKO by any Iraqi or foreign organization, party, institution or person inside Iraq.
It says any person dealing with the MKO "law breakers", will be treated based on the anti-terrorism rulings and will be handed over to legal authorities under the law.
It also called on all the multinational forces to stop considering themselves responsible for the MKO and cede all the checking and monitoring affairs to Iraqi authorities.The cabinet members in
their meeting also urged investigation of the judicial claims lodged against the MKO members, who have committed enormous crimes in the case of Iraqi people. Translated by Habilian
Iraqi defense minister has said that the Iraq government is planning the expulsion of members of the banned Iranian terrorist group MKO.
Abdul-Kader Jassem al-Obeidi noted that the terrorists of the Mujahedeen Khalq Organization (MKO) should no longer remain in Iraq.
"According to a newly enacted Iraqi law, nationals of all foreign countries currently residing in Iraq should return to their own countries. Anyone wishing to not return to their country should apply through international organizations," he added.
Referring to the problems of the prolonged presence of MKO elements in Iraq, al-Obeidi pointed out that their presence imposes heavy costs on Iraq.
General al-Obeidi further noted that the details of the MKO expulsion from Iraq will be made public later.
Shaykh Jalal-al-Din al-Saghir, Iraqi MP for the IISC: "…we call upon the United States to send a message of assurance to the Iraqi people, telling them that it respects Iraqi sovereignty, and that it seeks to ensure respect for Iraqi sovereignty by handing over control of Camp Ashraf to the government troops, particularly since law has been enforced in all governorates."
Iraq’s IISC leaders discuss US agreement
Within its evening programming on 19 June, Baghdad Al-Iraqiyah Television in Arabic highlighted a news conference held by Iraqi Islamic Supreme Council [IISC] leaders following "an ordinary periodic meeting" of its General Commission, during which they expressed opposition to the presence of the Mojahedin-e Khalq Organization [MKO] on Iraqi territory and discussed the proposed US-Iraqi long-term agreement, as well as "the proceedings of a trial session of the defendants charged in connection with the case of suppressing the Sha’ban Uprising of 1991," which was carried live during the period 1321-1500 gmt on 19 June. Part of the IISC leaders’ news conference was also carried live by the TV channel.
Within its 1200 gmt newscast on 19 June, Baghdad Al-Iraqiyah Television in Arabic carries the following reports:
– "National Security Minister Shirwan al-Wa’ili has affirmed the solidity of the security situation in the city of Samarra. He made this statement when he toured the city streets. During this tour, he inspected the reconstruction of the mausoleums of the Two Al-Askari Imams there."
Then, Al-Wa’ili is shown saying: "As a matter of fact, the visit is meant to obtain assurances about the security situation, both in the city of Samarra and on the roads leading to Samarra. God be praised, our troops are deployed. Security prevails in the area and on the roads leading to this city."
Al-Iraqiyah TV correspondent Amjad Tali says: "Those in charge of the reconstruction effort have said that they are not facing any security or financial problems in the course of the shrine reconstruction effort, as the Prime Ministry allocated $50 million [for this purpose]. Meanwhile, it allocated $25 million to the Samarra District to rebuild its infrastructure, particularly schools and hospitals."
Tali adds: "The talk in Samarra is not confined to the reconstruction and security files. The residents of Samarra are gearing up for opening the political file through creating political entities to compete in the upcoming elections. Official and popular gatherings have seen talk of the Samarra residents’ intention to run in the elections given the stability the city has seen."
– "Brigadier General Ra’d Isma’il, commander of the Two Al-Askari Imams Brigade, has confirmed that Samarra and its environs are free of terrorist cliques now that they have been purged of these elements. He indicated that the city is witnessing a state of stability. Meanwhile, citizens have continued to join the ranks of security services there."
Then, Brig Gen Ra’d Isma’il is shown saying: "Normalcy has been fully and completely restored in Samarra. Two days ago, the city of Samarra saw an influx of volunteers who offered to join the ranks of security services, particularly the National Police. Crowds poured in from all Iraqi governorates, even from the cities of Basra, Karbala, Mosul, Al-Sharqat, and Bayji, and other Iraqi cities."
Afterward, an unidentified Iraqi citizen is shown saying: "God be praised, the security situation in Samarra is stable thanks to the presence of the awakening forces men, the commandos, and policemen."
– "Citizens in Dhi Qar today reiterated their support for the government of Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki, and also for security services in the governorate. They also renewed their willingness to thwart any attempt to create a divide in the national ranks there."
– "The Basra tribes today renewed their willingness to fight terrorist cliques in the governorate. At a meeting held there, they reiterated their support for law enforcement operations in Iraq."
Then, an unidentified bearded man is shown saying: "This gathering announced its support for the well-guided religious authority. Likewise, it declared its support for law, and its willingness to fight those who break the law, highway robbers, and those who rebel against government personnel and the government."
– "Al-Najaf Deputy Governor Abd-al-Husayn Abtan has announced the results of the [Al-Najaf] airport checks, which showed that the airport meets the relevant international standards. This came at a news conference held at the governorate premises during which he confirmed that the airport can receive giant planes."
– "The Iraqi Supreme Criminal Court has continued its sessions in Baghdad to look into the crime of suppressing the Sha’ban uprising of 1991. At yesterday’s session, the defendants, henchmen of the defunct regime, made their testimonies."
Within its 1700 gmt newscast on 19 June, Baghdad Al-Iraqiyah Television in Arabic carries the following reports:
– "The IISC has held an ordinary periodic meeting. During the meeting, the conferees discussed a host of Iraqi issues. His Eminence Sayyid Abd-al-Aziz al-Hakim underlined that the presence of the MKO in Iraq violates both the Constitution and international law. He added that the presence of this organization was supported by the Multinational Force."
Then, Al-Hakim is shown saying: "As is known, during the days of the Governing Council in 2003, a decision was made to eject them [the MKO personnel] by early 2004. This decision was unanimously made by the Governing Council. But, then things were controlled by Mr Bremer, Ambassador Bremer, representative of the occupation force, who did not implement this decision under the pretext that these people enjoy protection. The issue remained unresolved and was mentioned in the Constitution, as the Iraqi Constitution stipulated the inadmissibility of the presence in Iraq of terrorist organizations that operate against other states. Nonetheless, the Multinational Force headed by the US troops continued to provide protection for this organization, which was given freedom of movement, which does not happen in any world state."
The TV report adds: "Regarding the Iraqi-US agreement, Vice President Dr Adil Abd-al-Mahdi said that the two sides disagree over some articles of the agreement."
Then, Abd-al-Mahdi is shown saying: "Several issues regarding the entry and exit of troops, immunities, arrests, and basic sovereignty-related issues were raised before the Political Council [for National Security]. Hence, we said that substantive authority should be returned to Iraq. These are the points. At any rate, we have not reached agreement on any specific issue. Proposals were submitted. The Iraqi side has expressed specific, clear, and frank views towards these issues."
Immediately afterward, Shaykh Jalal-al-Din al-Saghir, Iraqi MP for the IISC, is interviewed live by phone.
Asked on the presence of the MKO in Iraq, Al-Saghir says: "With regard to this organization, the Iraqi Government has not made any decision offering this organization political asylum, humanitarian refugee status, or anything that could render its presence on Iraqi territory acceptable from the purely legal point of view. Besides, during the previous period, the days of the criminal regime, this organization committed criminal actions. It was one of the repressive organizations that aided the criminal regime. It wreaked immense havoc within the ranks of the Iraqi people and Iraqi society, as is known to our brothers, the people of Kirkuk and the Diyala Governorate, not to mention the people of Basra and Baghdad. This organization did not make do with these actions, but also opposed the ongoing political process and interfered in Iraqi domestic affairs. This interference was manifested in aiding terrorism in terms of funding, training, and practice. Our brothers, the people of the Kirkuk and Al-Uzaym areas, vividly recall the checkpoints set up by these criminals, who undermined the security of average Iraqis."
Al-Saghir adds: Hence, the Council of Representatives had no choice but to stand firmly, as demonstrated at its previous session; and the Iraqi Government had no choice but to take this noble stand which it adopted. We call for the swift implementation of this stand. Likewise, we call upon the United States to send a message of assurance to the Iraqi people, telling them that it respects Iraqi sovereignty, and that it seeks to ensure respect for Iraqi sovereignty by handing over control of Camp Ashraf to the government troops, particularly since law has been enforced in all governorates."
When queried on the progress of the Iraqi-US negotiations on the long-term agreement, particularly since Iraqi Foreign Minister Zebari announced that the agreement will be signed by the end of July, Al-Saghir says: "As far as we are concerned, we might not be bound by a specific deadline, because it is the substance of the agreement and its articles which will determine whether or not the agreement will be signed. However, I can say that the draft submitted recently by the US negotiators reflected US moves that are favourable to the Iraqi people’s interests. But, we do not think that this is enough to settle the process. The issue is still being negotiated by the Iraqi and US negotiators. I advise observers not to dwell on this or that draft, because negotiations, by their nature, entail swift changes, alterations, amendments, drops, and additions. This is the nature of negotiations."
– "Deputy Prime Minister Dr Barham Salih has chaired a meeting that brought together several ministers and government officials. During this meeting, the conferees affirmed that the next three months will see the completion of most projects in Al-Sadr City."
– "Maysan Police Chief Brigadier General Sa’d Ali has affirmed that life will stay normal in the governorate, noting that the relevant agencies will continue their effort to ensure the smooth flow of services, and that school students will continue to sit to their examinations without impediments despite the start of Operation Heralds of Peace there. The police chief in the governorate stressed that the operation is not targeted against any specific trend, party, or segment, but rather against outlaws. He underscored the government’s eagerness to safeguard citizens’ security and safety in Maysan."
– "The tribal chieftains of Maysan have affirmed their absolute support for Operation Heralds of Peace, which kicked off in the governorate today to consolidate security and stability there. This came at an expanded conference they held in the governorate to discuss the means and mechanisms of backing and supporting the security services that are implementing the said operation."
– "Major General Qasim Ata, spokesman for the Law Enforcement Plan, has said that the security services implemented a new plan in Baghdad. He noted that the plan aims to prevent wanted persons from moving from one area to another in the city."
Then, as speculated before, MKO is nothing more than a waning political cult whose last days of any weight is to be exploited as a political instrument and bargaining chip in political conflicts. Those Western countries that suggest MKO as an alternative definitely pursue accomplishment of their own ambitions vis-à-vis Iran than thinking of any democratic solution in favor of Iranian people. There are broadly stated comments that corroborate what the West precisely follows by decisions to de-proscribe the terrorist MKO.
As stated by Birmingham peer and former MP for Erdington Lord Corbett, released in an article entitled High court offers new hope for Iran, ‘A decision to remove an Iranian opposition group from the UK terror list offers a new solution to the Iran crisis’. ‘As the recent incentives package has followed in the path of its predecessors in failing to bring about any change in Tehran’s behaviour, a new path must be opened alongside any further dialogue to end this crisis. It is here that the PMOI and the Iranian resistance movement, whether in Iran or abroad, offers the international community an Iranian solution to the Iranian crisis.’
Long expelled from Iran, MKO have no iota of publicity in Iran let alone being recognized a legitimate alternative. Any made claim in this respect is a fabrication of MKO propaganda machine in accomplice with a number of its advocates. Under the impact of these misinformation, others are fooled to believe that the group is the only domestically recognized opposition when we hear them stating ‘The people of Iran, assisted by the PMOI, can bring about the peaceful democratic change that Iranians desire. Lifting the ban on the PMOI and recognising it as the legitimate opposition would be a positive solution from the West’s extremely limited options’. Sattar Orangi-Mojahedin.ws – May 17, 2008
One of the conditions of an alternative selected by the US or other European countries in order to substitute opposing governments or those that do not satisfy the demands of such powers is that the alternative has to weigh an international legitimacy and support besides the internal support. In spite of being a banned terrorist group whose offices are closed in the US, there is a question that what legitimate connection there could be found between MKO’s status in the US and its ability to liberate Iranians. After all, the group claims at every available opportunity that it relies entirely on its boundless popularity in Iran and therefore needs no foreign sponsor.
Unfortunately, some groups and organizations wish to believe that MKO’s actions have legitimacy since they are under a heavy propaganda bombardment of hollow claims that it is a legitimate resistance movement. However, beguiled by these propagandas, they sometimes forget that, by its own previously released accounts, the group has used and ideologically believes in terrorism and violence to achieve organizational ambitions rather than fulfilling the national wills and demands. How can possibly such a group be given support and legitimacy when it uses the same methodology and reasoning of similar notorious groups such as Al-Qaeda?
Despite its violent history, MKO would like to gain international legitimacy as Iran’s "government in exile." Its immediate goal is to get its name off the State Department’s list of terrorist organizations; to that end, it now purports to support a host of democratic ideals, from the Universal Declaration of Human Rights to freedom of religion and the free market. Furthermore, its political representatives in the US have worked hard to repackage the group as a legitimate dissident organization fighting for democracy in Iran through whitewashing its past terrorist records.
The widespread belief is that the mission of MKO and its alias the National Council of Resistance is to overthrow the Iranian regime, an aim increasingly in line with the Bush administration, yet the administration has stopped direct supporting of the group as a US ally since it is known to be an act of illogic to unleash a horde of insane cultists whose first step to settle any dispute, if assumed the power, would be a genocidal act. As explicitly stated in the State Department’s report presented to Congress on the People’s Mojahedin of Iran in 1994 concerning the structure of MKO we read:
“The internal organizational structure of the Mojahedin has varied little throughout the group’s history. Importantly, the autocratic decision-making style of the leadership and the cult-like behavior of its members–two defining patterns of the organization’s operations–have combined to deny the Mojahedin the support of most Iranians, who fear that a "Mojahedin" alternative would be as or worse than the current clerical regime.”
Even the group’s own insiders were well aware of its fabrications when it boasted to be the suitable alternative to end the dominant despotism in Iran. The ex-members’ criticism is best reserved for observers who might question the organization’s sincerity in its claims. Victor Charbonnier’s attempt to give a clear picture of MKO’s undemocratic nature reaches ultimate by presenting quotes made by ex-members:
Quassim Salhi quickly understood that the organization was based on lies and double-talk. He recalls: "They repeated over and over again that the power structure in Iran was religious and despotic. It barred all opposing opinions, even points of view that were somewhat different from the regime’s. But inside the organization, we were no better off. We were forced to give up any personal ideas, to melt completely into the group and to stop asking any questions. Is there any dictatorship worse than that?” 1
The group’s transfer to Iraq got it into a worse international status. Saddam tensions in international community on the one hand and the close accomplice of Mojahedin with him on the other hand made Mojahedin suffer an increasingly lack of international legitimacy and support. Surprisingly, in a time period when Saddam was under political and diplomatic boycott as a sponsor of terrorism, Mojahedin insisted on his internal and international legitimacy and supported him fully. As such, Saddam recognized Mojahedin as the legitimate opposition of the Iranian government and his best allies.
Being deprived of a powerful sponsor following the fall of Saddam, it became even worse when the group was disarmed and came under the surveillance of the US forces that turned it into a displaced object of pity demanding support on the part of human right institutes. In an attempt to mislead the public opinion and open a new gate onto the political scene to start a novel phase of pro-democratic activities, the group’s guru gave way to his wife as the symbol of freedom and went into the hideout himself. It does not necessarily mean that the West was unaware of the cunningly made plots by the terrorists. Reported by Figaro soon after Maryam Rajavi’s return to France, French Counter-intelligence (DST) had already warned about her arrival to embark on a new scenario:
Her return to France in the beginning of 2003 alerted the DST. Flanked by senior officials, Maryam Rajavi had mysteriously left Iraq to return to Auvers-sur-Oise. This was a worrying decision for those who for almost thirty years were watching this woman, sometimes a seductive Ambassadress, sometimes an implacable fighter. She was armed all too often with false papers and borrowed names to pursue ‘the armed struggle’. Between the democratic facade and tile life and death struggle against the Iranian regime, Maryam Rajavi’s history is bonded to that of her organization. 2
A Part of westerners’ fear is due to the cultist structure and conducts of Mojahedin and their hypocrisy. Western governments are well aware of false claims of Mojahedin in the media and the fact that they have two contradictory approaches in dealing with outsiders and insiders. Marianne describes such a dual strategy as follows:
"This woman, with her emerald eyes and so sweet a smile, is a pathological ‘case’. Withdrawn, secretive, unburdened by too low an opinion of herself, Maryam Rajavi, the Mistress and Muse of I the People’s Mojahedin, is a surprise for the rare visitors she deigns to receive in Auvers-sur-Seine. With her hair always hidden under her Islamic scarf, the person whom the militants call the ‘Sun of the Revolution’ is a consummate user of political slogans and jargon. Denouncing the obscurantism of the mullahs in power in Teheran, she presents her organisation as a democratic model along Western lines preaching moderate Islam, which includes women’s rights. Of course, this position is at the opposite extreme from the Islamist-Marxism, in Red and Green, which never wavered throughout their years of struggle. 3
Gessler, a researcher of cold war period, well aware of the effects of propaganda blitz of Mojahedin expounds on the group’s demand of gaining political legitimacy on the part of the West:
In addition, the Mojahedin are superb lobbyists, "tracking" down political officials, deputies, senators, etc., to get a signature which is supposed to support the PMOI’s fight and provide .recognition to it as the only legitimate opposition: "The Mojahedin conducted a public relations campaign among the Western press and among political personalities, looking for political support and financial reinforcement. Exploiting the West’s dislike for the behaviour of the Iranian regime, the Mojahedin put themselves forward as the alternative. To achieve their goals, they claimed the support of the majority of Iranians". 4
All these evidences imply the fact that Mojahedin suffer the lack of international legitimacy and support. An important point is that the US has developed a much deeper understanding of Mojahedin than European countries. It was the US that in its report on April 2003 called Mojahedin a cult. Although France had accused Mojahedin as a sect before, but it was the first time that the cultist relations of Mojahedin were publically and officially announced. Surprisingly, Mojahedin have not yet protested against the announced cult accusation. The reason may be their fear of the probable consequences of such an action. On the whole, it is evident that no government uses such a cultist group for the settlement of political disputes with Iran or against it. The outcome will be so much the worse for the sponsors facing them with the worst to deal with.
References
Victor Charbonnier; The People’s Mojahedin of Iran: A struggle for what?,Translated by Dr Thomas R. Forstenzer, RSA, Part Two: Former Members.
Gessler, A.; The autopsy of an ideological drift, p. 015.
Ibid, 148.
Ibid, 164.
Research Bureau- Mojahedin.ws – May 10, 2008
A number of MKO-run sites have recently published an announcement entitled Deployment of previously used agents against Iranian Resistance depicts Clerical Regime’s extreme frustration in an attempt to justify landslide member splinter within the organization. During the past recent months, a number of
the detached members who had taken refuge in American-run TIPF returned to Iran; they were all called to be criminals, infiltrated agents, proxies of Ministry of Intelligence, expelled members and much more as it is MKO’s typical. The ever-growing demand of members held in Camp Ashraf to separate the organization has forced MKO to isolate about 200 dissatisfied members to stop further instigation in other members.
The announcement names the separated members one by one and accuses them with cliché allegations atop of which lies their affiliation to Iran’s Ministry of Intelligence. It also attacks “Sahar Family Foundation”, an NGO established to help MKO’s separated members exit from TIPF and Iraq and to defend their rights, and its founder Massoud Khodabandeh and accused him and his other colleagues of being the regime’s agents.
At the present, the splinter of members within MKO has turned to be the most critical challenge the organization is facing. Also, the intensified challenges among American parties following the released report by American intelligence agencies that Iran has halted its nuclear weapons program in 2003 necessitates a logical and peaceful solution to an issue which have totally disappointed MKO. Through disclosing Iran’s nuclear threat, MKO anticipated instigation of a militarist conflict between Iran and the US; it was the supposition behind Rajavi’s fixing January 2009 as the deadline for the collapse of Iranian regime and Rajavi promised that if nothing happen at the end of the deadline, all the Ashraf residents were free to stay or leave. The countdown being already started, with the Bush nearing the end of his presidency, the Ashraf residents seem to be eager to leave sooner than the promised deadline.
Such deeds by MKO to accuse separated members of being the rival’s agents is an unusual deed looking it from the conventional approaches adopted by majority of campaigning political organizations. It is common among the active groups to recruit members and let them leave whenever they wish. The only organization that seems to have no dissatisfied member and the members have signed to stay to the end is MKO! And, of course, all those who have left, escaped and have appealed to leave are infiltrated agents and more. But there is one exception. The organization has so far taken no position to talk about the separation of Batul Soltani, a member of the Leadership Council of MKO, who two years ago escaped from Camp Ashraf and moved into TIPF. On 14 January 2008 she left the TIPF and moved to Baghdad in order to go abroad but she changed her mind to stay in Iraq and start a legal battle against the organization for all torments she had undergone and suffered.
The path to Camp Ashraf is a one-way path; entering it, nobody is permitted to leave and the organization presents legal excuses for not letting anybody to leave. As stated in item sixteen of the announcement “Since the MOIS insists on introducing its newly- recruited agents as the “former PMOI members”, it should be reminded that the Secretariat of the National Council of Resistance of Iran announced four years ago in its statement of August 3, 2004, on the legal status of the PMOI, “As the agreement of the legal status of the Ashraf Residents as protected persons under the Fourth Geneva Convention was signed, the leadership of the Resistance and the officials of the PMOI strongly emphasized on the need and importance of making the final choice at this turning point. Thus, all individuals were reminded that before signing the Agreement, they must once again think of their final choice freely and voluntarily. They can go after their desired life and pursue their desirable option. But if they want to stay in Ashraf and continue their struggle for freedom, they must consider all the probable risks”.
As implied, the Ashraf residents have no choice but to stay and those who escape are Iranian regime’s agents. But the question still exist that accusing minor members of many allegations, why MKO rejects to take any clear stance concerning high-ranking separated members? Mojahedin.ws, April 19, 2008
Ahmadinejad and his Iraqi counterpart condemn an Iranian opposition group under U.S. guard northeast of Baghdad.
BAGHDAD” The presidents of Iran and Iraq today harshly condemned an Iranian opposition group here which has ties to U.S. neoconservatives and remains under the shelter of American forces.
President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, who arrived here today on a historic visit, blasted the Mujahedin Khalq Organization, as munafiqin, or hypocrites. The term refers to an account in the Koran of a group who pretended to follow the Prophet Mohammed’s teachings only to betray Muslims.
Talabani, appearing with Ahmadinejad at a press conference, repeated the insulting word and added, "The presence of this terrorist organization is prohibited according to the constitution and we are seeking to get rid of them soon."
The armed opposition group, which sometimes goes by the abbreviations MKO, MEK or PMOI, fought the Iranian government during the 1980s, when it received shelter from Saddam Hussein. Both Europe and the U.S. State Dept. list the group as a terrorist organization.
But as tensions between the U.S. and Iran have mounted, some in Washington have cultivated ties with the group and advocated using them to destabilize the Tehran government. Numbering up to 3,000, they remain under U.S. guard at their former base northeast of Baghdad.
Before the press conference, Ahmadinejad strode up a red carpet and into the Iraqi presidential compound today for the start of what may be the first-ever visit by an Iranian head of state to Iraq. The deposed late Shah Mohammed Reza Pahlavi fled briefly to Iraq in 1953 amid political turmoil in Tehran.
Iran and Iraq fought a brutal eight-year war during the 1980s that left up to 1 million people in both countries dead and maimed. The United States accuses Iran of meddling in Iraq’s political affairs and violence.
But there was no sign of lingering animosity during today’s lavish arrival. Iraq’s president, Jalal Talabani, smiled broadly as he guided his guest from a dark sedan into his compound in Baghdad’s Karada district. Iran sheltered many leaders of the current Baghdad government during Hussein’s rule.
"We welcome them and all who helped the Iraqi people during the hard days when the Iraqis were displaced and deprived from all human rights," Talabani said at the press conference, which was aired live on Iraqi television. "We think that this visit will produce good results and the preliminary discussions have had good results."
Ahmadinejad, a divisive figure in his home country and internationally, steered clear of controversies during his first appearance. Iranian officials say the primary purpose of the visit is to enhance economic ties between Iran and Iraq. Since Hussein’s ouster five years ago, trade between the two countries has reached about $8 billion a year, and Iran recently announced a $1 billion loan to Iraq.
"It seems that the Iraqi people are passing through critical circumstances," Ahmadinejad told reporters. "But according to our knowledge with the Iraqi people we know that they have huge natural and human abilities and they will overcome these circumstances."
In a striking departure from other high-profile visitors to Iraq, Ahmadinejad did not use a helicopter to come into the center of the city from the airport. Instead, his convoy used the airport road, once notorious for bombs and other attacks and heavily patrolled by U.S. forces. He also did not head into the heavily protected Green Zone, going instead to Talabani’s home outside the fortified area.
A military band played rousing anthems as Ahmadinejad shook countless hands on his way into the building. Amid the stern-looking security men who surrounded the entourage, there was a notable omission: U.S. troops, who usually form the bulk of protection forces for high-profile guests in Iraq.
This time, the U.S. military made clear it would not be involved in protecting the Iranian president, who denies White House claims that his country has provided lethal bombs as well as training and financing to Shiite militias in Iraq.
Iraq’s government has also accused Iran of fomenting violence here and has indicated that the topic will be up for discussion during Ahmadinejad’s two-day visit.
"This should be presented at the table and discussed and negotiated," the Iraqi government spokesman, Ali Dabbagh, said recently when asked what would be on the agenda. "This is something that worries us in Iraq. We need to find a way to stop all this," he said, referring to alleged arms smuggling over the Iranian border.
Talabani, who visited Tehran in June, will host Ahmadinejad. The Iraqi president’s ties to Iran stretch back to the 1980s, when he and other Kurds as well as Iraqi Shiite Muslim political parties and militias sought refuge there and fought alongside Iranian forces against Saddam Hussein’s army. On Saturday, on the eve of Ahmadinejad’s visit, Talabani met with both the U.S. and British ambassadors to Iraq.
By Tina Susman and Borzou Daragahi, Los Angeles Times Staff Writers, March 2, 2008
http:www.latimes.comnewsnationworldworldla-fg-iraniraq3mar03,0,4974258.story
Also on:
http:www.chicagotribune.comnewsnationworldla-fg-iraniraq3mar03,1,715485.story
tina.susman@latimes.com, daragahi@latimes.com
The first outcomes of Iranian president’s visit to Iraq was al-Maliki’s reiteration that Iraq will not let terrorist groups like al-Qaeda, the Mujahedin Khalq 
Organization (MKO) or the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) terrorist groups turn Iraq into a base against friendly countries in the region. That is what Iraq needs to end a phase of anarchy following the fall of the dictator who acted as the god-father of terrorism and groups like MKO that is notoriously known to have acted as Saddam’s mercenaries and private army. Ahmadinejad’s landmark visit to Baghdad is referred to as a "hero’s welcome" and "extremely helpful" even by the critics of the Iranian regime and slogans on the walls of houses and public markets in Baghdad’s Sadr City are reported to be all welcoming Ahmadinejad and hailing him as a hero. Of course, none of the active insurgent and terrorist groups can tolerate any move taken to uproot terrorism in Iraq and smash their fortified safe-havens in a variety of provinces. In a widespread propaganda blitz, for instance, MKO is trying to overstress protests against Ahmadinejad’s presence in Iraq and it is not wrong to say that the organization is the main instigator of a trifle of public demonstration. Once one of Saddam’s chief internal accomplices in his crimes against Iraqi people, MKO now plays a key role in masterminding organized protests against the decisions adopted by Iraq’s legal government. Following a given report of protests in some parts of Iraq, MKO adds: Last November more than 300,000 Iraqis including hundreds of Shiite tribal leaders from Southern provinces signed a petition condemning Iranian regime’s meddling in Iraq and supported the presence of the main Iranian opposition group, the People’s Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK) in that country. The petition was viewed as a turning point in Iraq. For the first time there was a public and organized display of opposition toward Iranian regime’s meddling by tribal leaders in the predominantly Shiite south. National solidarity and a united front to uproot terrorism will put an end to Iraq’s chaotic social disorder. Unfortunately, terrorists and insurgents meddling has disheartened efforts toward the accomplishment of a comprehensive social peace.
‘Terrorists will not use Iraq soil’
Presstv, March 3, 2008
Iraqi ambassador: MKO presence not permanent
IRNA, February 27, 2008
Iraqi Ambassador to Tehran Mohammad Majeed Al-Sheikh said here on Tuesday that the presence of members of the terrorist Mujahideen Khalq Organization ”MKO” in Iraq is not permanent. "The MKO members have been staying in Iraq before the Saddam Hussein regime was toppled," he said, adding the necessary measures have been taken to expel them. Al-Sheikh noted that the Iraqi government is not satisfied with their presence and said they would stay in Iraq until they find another country to accept them. The envoy assured that the Iraqi government does not permit any action against the Islamic Republic. He put the volume of Tehran-Baghdad trade at dlrs 2.4 billion, calling for expansion of mutual cooperation in all fields. Referring to the exporting electricity to Iraq, he underlined that the Islamic Republic has launched some electricity projects in the cities of Shalamcheh and Basra which are in final stages. He also termed the Tehran-Baghdad cultural and medical cooperation as proper, adding the bilateral cooperation in this regard is very good and effective. With the aim of boosting the cultural and medical cooperation, al-Sheikh stated that a medical conference is going to held in Naseriyeh in near future. He also called for holding talks between Iran and US, adding the Iraq issue is a good opportunity for them to set aside their differences. "We want to prove to the world that negotiations is the only solution to any problem," he observed. The envoy also voiced his country readiness to release some of the Iranian prisoners, adding currently a few Iranian prisoners are behind bars in Badreh Prison and negotiations are underway to release them. Referring to boosting bilateral cultural cooperation, the ambassador concluded that currently the issuance of visas for Iranian pilgrims have increased.
Iraq Not a Place to Raid Neighbors
A member of Iraqi parliament criticizes the Turkish incursion against PKK rebels in northern Iraq, stressing that Iraq’s territories should not be used to attack neighboring countries. "Before attacking northern Iraq, Turkey was supposed to attempt resolving the crisis by exercising the bilateral cooperation and diplomatic measures to prevent PKK from threatening Turkey’s security, a crucial measure that has regrettably not adopted, " said Abdul Aziz Al- Enzi, an Iraqi MP on Sunday evening to Alalam TV. He said that Iran has also expressed concerns over ‘Mujahedin Khalgh’ an Iranian opposition terrorist group (MKO) to employ Iraq’s territories to target some ends in Iran. "Iraqi government should adopt swift measures to resolve this crisis," he said. Al- Enzi stressed that any delay in resolving the MKO terrorists and PKK rebels’ crisis would have negative affect on Iraq- Turkey and Iraq- Iran ties. "Iraq’s Foreign Ministry should try to find a way out of this crisis to avoid such accidents with the adjacent countries, "he added. Al- Enzi rejected any rumors, saying, "Iraqi President Jalal Talabani has demanded Turkish government to suppress the PKK in northern Iraq," stressing that the president strongly respects Iraq’s sovereignty. He pointed out that the US has double standard policy towards Iraqi armed insurgents and US troops protect some armed militants such as the PKK rebels and MKO terrorists.
Alalam, February 25, 2008
"Iraqi government is not able to resolve the crisis of the armed groups, because it has not power to control the whole country, "he concluded.
Mojahedin.ws, March 3, 2008
Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki has said that Baghdad would not let terrorists use its soil to attack neighboring countries. Democratic Iraq has a constitution and will not let terrorist groups including al-Qaeda, the Mujahedin Khalq Organization (MKO) or the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) insurgents turn Iraq into a base against friendly countries in the region, al-Maliki told IRNA Sunday. He added that Iraq is the ‘safety valve’ of the region and gave assurances that Baghdad would destroy terrorist group bases in the country to restore regional stability and security. The premier pointed to the current historic visit by the Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad to Iraq and invited Iran to carry out projects for the reconstruction of Iraq.