Content

Camp Ashraf and International Support for Iranian Resistance

l Crime Against Humanity at Camp Ashraf

April 8 2011

l International Community Condemns Violent Attack by Iraqi Forces

November , 2011 June 18, 2011

l International Support for Ashraf

Spanish National Court issues a writ against Maliki and summons three criminals involved in April 8 massacre in Ashraf

l European - American call for Ashraf : Immediate Protection and Ban on Displacement inside Iraq

AMENDMENT TO H.R. 2583

(FOREIGN RELATIONS AUTHORIZATION ACT, FISCAL YEAR 2012)
OFFERED BY MR. POE OF TEXAS
At the end of title VIII. add the following:

SEC. 8XX. STATEMENT OF POLICY REGARDING CAMP ASHRAF

(1) (2) It shall be the policy of the United States to urge the Government of Iraq to uphold its commitments to the United

States to ensure the continued well-being of those living in Camp Ashraf and prevent their involuntary return to Iran in accordance with the United States Embassy Statement on Transfer of Security Responsibility for Camp Ashraf of December 28, 2008; and (3) take all necessary and appropriate steps in accordance with international

agreements to support the commitments of the United States to ensure the physical security and protection of Camp Ashraf residents; and (4) take all necessary and appropriate steps to prevent the forcible relocation

of Camp Ashraf residents inside Iraq and facilitate the robust presence of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Iraq in Camp Ashraf.

Timeline of the April 8 raid on Ashraf and the fall-out

Camp Asharf, home to 3400 Iranian dissidents in Iraq, all protected persons under the Fourth Geneva Convention was subject of a deadly raid by the Iraqi forces under the command of the Iraqi Prime Minister on April 8, 2011 that left 36 residents, including eight women, killed and 345 wounded. The UN officials had access to the Camp on April 13 and on April 14 they confirmed that 34 camp residents were dead as a result of the raid. Two more died later due to their injuries. The raid drew international outrage including condemnation from the US State Department, the UK Foreign Office, Mrs. Catharine Ashton, the EU High Representative, the US Congress and international human rights groups including Amnesty International. Senator John Kerry, the Chairman of the US Senate Foreign Affairs Committee called the raid a massacre and called for an independent, thorough investigation. Mrs. Ashton also called for a complete, independent investigation. The UN Human Rights Chief, Ms. Navi Pillay also called for a probe on the deaths and stated: There is no possible excuse for this number of casualties. The situation at the Camp remains very tense. The Iraqi military forces are still inside Ashraf. One-third of the camp is currently under Iraqi military occupation and the Camp is under complete blockade. In late April Iraq Foreign Minister refused to allow a delegation of the European Parliament which was in Iraq to visit Camp Ashraf. In June Nouri Maliki told a delegation of the US Congress in Baghdad that they were not allowed to visit Camp Ashraf. Attempts to find a solution on the crisis on Camp Ashraf has gained urgency on both sides of Atlantic. Following its trip to Iraq, the European Parliament Delegation for Relation with Iraq offered a long-term, peaceful solution: resettlement in third countries such as the US, Canada, EU member states, Switzerland, Norway, and Australia. However it stressed that the immediate step would be to provide protection for the resident at Camp Ashraf. EU foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton addressed the issue of Ashraf on May 11 and the issue of Ashraf was discussed for the first time at the EU Foreign Ministers meeting on May 23. Further deliberations of finding a common solution with the US and UN are underway. Since presentation of the European plan for Ashraf there has been numerous support from majority members of 30 parliaments worldwide including Iraqi officials such as the Speaker of the Iraqi Parliaments, 70 members of Iraqi Parliament. More over in a unique action over 500,000 Iraqi people from Dyaley Governorate also endorsed the proposal and rejected any internal displacement of the residents in their statement. A congressional hearing was held July 7, 2011 to get the facts of what appears to be the murder of unarmed, innocent refugees, chaired by Congressman Dana Rohrabacher (R-Calif.), chairman of the Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, who said: I believe it was an atrocity, a massacre and crime against humanity,. The hearing began with a video clip made by camp residents of the shootings and assaults on the population. This was followed by a teleconference video with one of the wounded in Ashraf, Neda Zanjanipour. Finally it is obvious that plan offered by the European Parliament to settle the crisis in Ashraf peacefully is the only viable and lasting solution to the problem. Where as the US proposal to displace Ashraf residents in Iraq and disband them is in total contrast to the European plan that is receiving growing support across the world. The EP plan clearly sets out the road map to prevent a humanitarian catastrophe and this will be to the credit of the Western world, especially the US as one main player in Iraq.

Images show Iraqi forces attacking unarmed defenseless residents of Ashraf

Background:

Chronology of Massacre in Camp Ashraf

On April 2, 2011, at midnight, the suppressive Iraqi forces entered Camp Ashraf with at-least 30 armored vehicles including Humvees and BMP-1 armored personnel carriers. Based on specific information obtained from inside the Iranian regime, the Iranian Resistance declared that Nouri al-Maliki plans new round of killings in Camp Ashraf at behest of Ali Khamenei In numerous letters to American and European officials and the United Nations, Ashraf residents and the National Council of Resistance of Iran warned about an imminent massacre of the camp residents. Unfortunately, on one paid any attention to the warning.

Warnings ignored:

No actions were taken:

Iraqi forces target Ashraf residents, April 8, 2011

On Wednesday, April 6, 2011, 36 hours prior to the catastrophe, as the representatives of UNAMI entered Ashraf, the residents once again warned of an attack and urged them to strengthen their presence in the camp, but again there was no action taken. On Thursday, April 7, 2011, after the U.S. Defense Secretary Gates met with Nouri al-Maliki , while it was expected that U.S. forces reinforce their positions in Ashraf, surprisingly the limited U.S. forces that had a presence in the camp since April 3, left the camp. Immediately after al-Malikis meeting with U.S. Defense Secretary, some 1500 suppressive Iraqi forces entered Camp Ashraf on Thursday, raising the total to 2500. On the same day, in several letters to President Obama, U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and United Nations Secretary General, Mrs. Maryam Rajavi, the President-elect of the National Council of Resistance of Iran warned about the imminent crime at Camp Ashraf. But unfortunately, this was to no avail.

Attack begins:
A resident of camp Ashraf is crushed by Iraqi Armys U.S. made Humvees

On April 8, at 4:45 a.m. (local time) eight battalions of Iraqi Armys Ninth and Fifth Divisions began the attack on the defenseless residents. The massive fire by armored vehicles heavy machine guns and snipers continued for six hours in various parts of Camp Ashraf. In a short time, numerous residents were killed. By the afternoon, the total number of Ashraf residents killed during the attack reached 33. Over 350 residents were injured with a number of them in highly critical conditions. Since the early hours of Thursday morning, the Iranian Resistance repeatedly called on U.S. to evacuate the wounded residents. But until the following midnight no actions were taken in this regard and more lives were at risk. The attack by some 2500 suppressive Iraqi forces which began approximately 4:45 a.m. (local time) on April 8, continued until 10:45 a.m. (local time). The Iraqi forces occupied more than one third of Camp Ashraf. Eyewitnesses reported the presence of a number of Persian speaking individuals among the attackers. At present, the attacking forces are still in Camp Ashraf and the possibility of another attack and killing of residents looms. Massive embankments and watch towers have been built with coiled barbed wires separating the camp from the outside. 300 megaphone loudspeakers are stationed to pdsychologically torture the residents.

2500 Iraqi forces involved in the attack:

Another attack looms:

Iraqi forces loot and destroy:

Based on instructions by their commanders, the Iraqi forces loot properties and assets of Ashraf residents while destroying anything that they could not take away.

International observers & journalists barred:

The Iraqi forces deny UNAMI monitoring team entry into the camp. Mr. Taher Boumdra, the Assistant on Camp Ashraf issues to Mr. Ad Melkert, the Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary General in Iraq, tried to visit the camp but was denied entry by the Iraqi forces. A number of journalists have gone to Ashraf, but Iraqi forces prevent them from entering the camp. On 15 April, United Nations human rights chief declared: at least 34 people were killed in Camp Ashraf. Most were shot, and some appear to have been crushed to death, persumably by vehicles.

Mohammad Reza Pirzadi 46 Shot in right lung Seyyed Hossein Ahmadi Djehon-abadi 55 Killed by bullet Zoheir Zakeri 35 Shot in head Behrouz Sabet Khasmakhi -44 Shot in leg Khalil Kabi 48 Shot in chest Hanif Taghizadeh 29 Shot in abdomen Mohammad Ghayoumi 44 Shot in abdomen Amir Masoud Fazlollahy 50 Shot in abdomen Alireza Taherloo 50 Burning Naser Sepahpour 47 Run over by HUMVEE Feriydoun Ainy Farkosh 52 Shot in heart Gholam Talghori 42 Shot in chest Vargha Sullimani 45 Shot in leg

April 8 Attack on Camp Ashraf left 36 Residents Killed

In 2004, the American forces signed an agreement with each individual resident at Camp Ashraf, to undertake their protection until their final destination. Subsequently each resident was issued a protected persons Identity Card.

Saba Haftbaradaran 29 Shot in leg Asieh Rakhshani 28 Shot in abdomen Saeid Chavooshi 49 Shot in chest Mohammad Reza Yazdandoust 54 Shot in abdomen Ghasem Etemadi 53 Run over by HUMVEE Ahmad Aghaee 47 Shot in chest Hassan Avani 46 Killed by bullet Jafar Bareji 46 Shot in neck Mehdi Barzagar 45 Shot in chest

Faezeh Rajabi 19 Shot in neck

Mahdieh Mehdizadeh Gorgory-32 Shot in legs and back

Naztaran Fatemeh Azimi dezfouli Massih 24 55 Shot in lung Shot in heart

Marzieh Pour-taghi 48 Shot in heart

Shahnaz Pahlavani 49 Shot in head

Morteza Beheshti 34 Shot in head & abdomen Zia Poornader 54 Shot in left leg Saeid Reza Pourhasemi 44 Shot in heart Majid Ebadian 50 Multiple shots

Massoud Aliakbar Mehdizadeh Hajilouee Gorgory - 39 Mobtaker-30 Run over by Shot in head HUMVEE

Bahman Atighi- 38 Mansoor Hadjian-52 Shot in vertebra Shot in lung

International condemnation of
We condemn all acts of violence perpetrated against the residents of Ashraf, and call on the government of Iraq to immediately reaffirm and meet its obligations to ensure their safety and well-being.
Congresswoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, Chair of the House Foreign Affairs Committee - Congressman Howard L. Berman ranking Member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, April 2011

Those 35 people that were killed might very well not have been killed if the Secretary of State and the President had done what is obviously necessary to do, which is to delist the MEK.
Rudy Giuliani , Former Mayor of New York City and US Presidentional Candidate; April 26, 2011

When Dell Dailey says in public It is appropriate for the Secretary of State to fix this gross embarrassment and obviously painful error as soon as possible, I take that seriously. De-list the MEK.
Prof. Philip Zelikow , Senior Counselor to the State Department (2005-2007), April 26, 2011

I request that Ambassador Jeffrey continue to engage with Iraqi officials and the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq to ensure that the residents of Camp Ashraf have access to humanitarian assistance and essential medical care.
Senator Carl Levin, U.S. Senate Armed Services
Committee Chairman ,15 April, 2011

In Camp Ashraf, what happened on the 8th of April is deplorable and has and had my strongest condemnation. I have been adamant that we need a strong, united, EU response. I have called for an inquiry that has to be as thorough as it is independent. Several options for a long term solution have been considered; United Nations is in the lead. The inquiry and condemnation are absolute.
Baroness Catherine Ashton, High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and
Security Policy , May 11, 2011

I call on Secretary Clinton and Secretary Gates to acknowledge the commitment that we made to the residents of Camp Ashraf to protect them.
Gen. Hugh Shelton, Chairman, Joint Chiefs of Staff
(1997-2001), April 13, 2011

Iraqi military action is simply unacceptable. Corrective action is imperative.The investigation must hold accountable the responsible parties and ensure that there will be no sequel to these horrific events.. The United States must redouble efforts with all the relevant parties to seek a peaceful and durable solution and permanent homes for the residents of Camp Ashraf
Senator John Kerry , Chair U.S. Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, April 14, 2011

We cannot afford to have the blood of 3,400 civilians on our hands. Far more ominous is the presence of Iraqi troops in Ashraf. The US could compel Prime Minister Nouri Maliki to remove his troops from Ashraf immediately.
Governor Howard Dean Chair of the Democratic Party in
the US (2005-09), April 4 , 2011

The U.S. government is deeply troubled by reports of deaths and injuries resulting from this mornings clash at Camp Ashraf.
Mark Toner, State Department Spokesman , April 19, 2011

What we need is for the Americans to tell the American people and the American Congress about the situation, because that is information that they need to understand what is going forward in Iraq and how to provide the protection.
Ambassador John Bolton, Former US Ambassador to
the United Nations, April 13, 2011

We call on the Iraqi Government to cease violent operations in Camp Ashraf immediately and particularly to ensure that the residents have full access to medical care. We are aware of a request by the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI) to send a humanitarian monitoring mission to Camp Ashraf as soon as possible. We fully support this request.
British Foreign Office Minister, April 8 , 2011

The Norwegian government has strongly condemned Fridays perpetration of violence by the Iraqi government against unarmed residents in Camp Ashraf.
Jonas Gahr Stre, Norwegian Foreign Minister , April 2011

I made a promise to you in Ashraf, I would continue to support and defend and do everything I could for your cause. Because its our cause, my cause. I am ashamed that we have walked away. De-list the MEK. They are people who love freedom and a democratic way of life.
Col. Gary Morsch, M.D., President, Heart to Heart
International, April 26, 2011

If nothing else but Americas credibility, thats not keeping a promise; the protection and support and security of the men and women of Ashraf is certainly a humanitarian cause that the entire world ought to be supporting.
Governor Tom Ridge, US Homeland Security Secretary (2003-2005), April 26, 2011

Nouri al- Maliki, the blood of these martyrs is on your hands. You need to be prosecuted at the International Criminal Court for crime againsthumanity.
Patrick Kennedy, Member of Congress 2011, April 13, 2011

the massacre in Camp Ashraf - 2011

We support a call by the Iranian opposition to the UN Security Council to appoint a representative to make an independent inquiry into the recent massacre in Ashraf.
Alejo Vidal-Quadras, Vice-President of the European Parliament, 20 April, 2011

The regime fears the PMOI because they are the only realistic opposition to their corrupt,fascist regime. That is why the mullahs number one target is the iconic symbol of resistance to their regime- Camp Ashraf.
Struan Stevenson, Chair of Europan Parliament Delegation for relations with Iraq, January 25, 2011

The only way to avoid a humanitarian catastrophe is for UNAMI, with the help of US forces to secure the withdrawal of Iraqi armed forces from inside the camp. We look to the UN to establish a permanent monitoring team at Camp Ashraf, guarded by a team of the US military, to prevent attacks on the residents similar to that of July 2009 and January 2011. The US and UN must act now.
Lords, Chair of the British Parliamentary Committee for Iran Freedom

Lord Corbett of Castle Vale, Mp , Brisith House of

There is no possible excuse for this number of casualtiesany person found responsible for use of excessive force should be prosecuted. Full details of what actually happened on the morning of 8 April at Camp Ashraf, are only beginning to emerge... the Iraqi military was well aware of the risks attached to launching an operation like this at the camp.
Navi Pillay, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, April 15, 2011

Ashraf has been turned into a big prison. Leaving Iraq does not rid the US of its egal, moral and political responsibility towards the security of Camp Ashraf.
Sid Ahmed Ghozali, Former Prime Minister of Algeria,
9 March, 2011

We would like to know, as soon as possible, what military and embassy personnel were allowed into Camp Ashraf on 10 April, when they entered the Camp and if your agency plans to publicly release that information. Gross violations of human rights thrive in the darkness , we simply ask that you shed a little bit of light on this awful attack
Joint letter by 19 members of US Congress to US Secretary of Defense Robert Gates, and US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, April 15, 2011

It is very important for the West and the rest of the world to understand that this tragedy must not be forgotten.
Jacques Attali, Former advisor to Francois Mitterrand,
April 13, 2011

Human rights laws that have stressed on protection of unarmed refugeesThis method of treating Mujahedin Khalqs (PMOI-MEK) case is a behavior that can be considered a genocide and crime against humanity and defaces Iraq. Furthermore, al-Iraqie requests for forgiveness from modern humanity, and stresses that what has taken place, has nothing to do with noble and benevolent people of Iraq
Al -Iraqia Party Iraqs largest political party , 18 May 2011

We agree that the Iraqi regime has betrayed its promises to the U.S. military and cant be trusted; that the U.S. government is betraying its solemn promise to the residents of Camp Ashraf, betraying our own national security interests to promote regime change in Iran, and our own values of democracy, freedom, and human rights.
Ambassador Mitchell Reiss, State Department Policy
Planning Director (2003-2005) , April 26, 2011, 26, 2011,

Iraqi troops moved into the camp this morning and used excessive force against residents...Whether they like it or not, the Iraqi authorities are responsible for the security and well-being of Camp Ashrafs residents.
Malcolm Smart, Director of Amnesty Internationals Middle East and North Africa Programme, 8 April , 2011

We must inform about the deplorable situation of Camp Ashraf. We must inform the public of Iranian pro- democracy forces who are fighting
for Freedom and Democracy.
Gesine Schwan , Presidential Candidate in Germany
(2004 and 2009)

Arab League Statement, April 11, 2011

The Arab League on Saturday urged the Iraqi government to handle in a humane manner the residents of Camp Ashraf, who are Iranian Mujahid-e-Khalq refugees housed in the camp since the Iran-Iraq war.

As a Muslim Deputy, I share wholly in this struggle and I side with the Iranian Resistance.
Abduoulatifou Aly, Member of French Parliament, May
18, 2011

The solution for Ashraf, must be a peaceful and democratic solution, which involves the determining solution of the European Union and France.
Andr Chassaigne, Member of French Parliament, May 18, 2011,

I support the women who are fighting for Freedom. In the names of all my colleagues in our parliamentary capacity, I offer you all my support.
Martine Pinville, Member of French Parliament,
May 18, 2011

Camp Ashraf, we have a situation that is intolerable and inacceptable; it requires immediate and decisive action.
Gunter Verheugen, European Commissioner (1999-2009),
April 13, 2011

Worldwide support for Camp Ashraf

Ashraf residents are protected persons under the Fourth Geneva Convention and International law. This military attack against Ashraf is a crime against humanity .

We call on our government to take combined action with US and UN to remove hostile Iraqi forces from Camp Ashraf.

We demand that the US and UN take control over the safety and security of the camp; and the UN to set up a permanent monitoring team in Camp Ashraf to prevent breaches of residents rights.

We condemn the siege on Ashraf residents, protected under the Fourth Geneva Convention, the psychological torture against them.

We urge the US administration to follow the UK in de-listing the PMOI and provide the necessary protection for the residents of Camp Ashraf.

We call on our government to recognize the Iranian Resistance and the endeavors of the Iranian people towards the establishment of democracy, freedom.

We call on our government to open a dialogue with the Iranian Resistance.

The dossier of human rights violation by the clerical regime, must be referred to the UN Security Council for an immediate review.

Calls upon the President to take all necessary steps to support the commitments of the US, to ensure the physical security and protection of Camp Ashraf residents.

We support UN initiative to instate a through and independent investigation on April 8 incidents.

UN must intervene immediately and UNAMI must restore its monitoring in the Camp and be secured by US forces.

We recognize the Iranian Resistance and call on our government to dialogue with the Iranian democratic opposition National Council of Resistance of Iran.

We urge the U.S. and U n i t e d N a t i o n s t o r em o v e I r a q i m i l i t a r y f o r c es f r o m A s h r a f

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a n d t h e I r a n i a n R e s i s t a n c e

We call on our government to recognize the Iranian Resistance, and initiate dialogue with the Iranian democratic op.position, National Council of Resistance of Iran. The Third Option suggested by Mrs. Maryam Rajavi promises the prospect for a democratic change by the people and the Resistance.

We call on our government to Acknowledge the Iranian Resistance against the religious fascism and to dialogue with the National Council of Resistance of Iran.

The agression on Camp Ashraf is condemned and we urge a combined effort to safeguard the security of Ashraf residents.

We demand: The UN, US, and EU act immediately to halt the massacre and urgently ensure the withdrawal of Iraqi troops from Camp Ashraf.

The Iranian regime is the main barrier to democracy in the region and attempts to divert liberation movements in the region toward Islamic fundamentalism.

We call on our government to ask for the dismantling of the Committee to Close Ashraf in Iraq, and assist in resolving Ashraf crisis with the UN and the US.

The Government of Iran intends to quell the popular uprising through mass arrests and execution of political prisoners, in particular the relatives of members of the democratic opposition in Camp Ashraf, Iraq.

We call on our government to urge the US government and the United Nations to remove Iraqi military forces from Ashraf, provide urgent medical attention for the critically wounded and end the siege.

The PMOI, believes in a tolerant and democratic Islam, is the antithesis to fundamentalism and extremism.

UN independent investigative team must carry out a thorough investigation on Camp Ashraf massacre.

We call on our government to recognize the Iranian Resistance

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The UN must assist full investigation

Denouncing Iraqi operation, UN rights chief calls for inquiry into camp deaths
15 April 2011 The United Nations human rights chief today condemned a recent Iraqi military operation in a camp north of Baghdad that left 34 people dead and dozens injured, and called for an independent inquiry into the incident. Navi Pillay, the High Commissioner for Human Rights, said full details of what actually happened on the morning of 8 April at Camp Ashraf, which houses an Iranian exile group known as the Peoples Mojahedeen of Iran, are only beginning to emerge. But it now seems certain that at least 34 people were killed in Camp Ashraf, including seven or more women. Most were shot, and some appear to have been crushed to death, presumably by vehicles, she stated in a news release. Ms. Pillay noted that the Iraqi military was well aware of the risks attached to launching an operation like this at the camp. A similar operation by Iraqi security forces in 2009 left 11 people dead and dozens wounded at Ashraf. There is no possible excuse for this number of casualties, she said, referring to the latest incident. There must be a full, independent and transparent inquiry, and any person found responsible for use of excessive force should be prosecuted. The High Commissioner also called on other governments to urgently consider resettlement to third countries to help provide long-term solutions for the residents of the camp. I am well aware that this is a contentious group, with a complicated history, but leaving them to fester in Camp Ashraf was never going to be a solution, she stated. Clearly, since they are unable to go back to Iran, and are in danger in Iraq, the solution is most likely to involve moving them to third countries.

Archbishop Desmond Tutu (Cape Town S. A

07 June 2011)

The proposal presented by the European Parliament is a peaceful and viable solution for Camp Ashraf

I join the UNHCHR, EU, other countries around the world and human rights organizations and personalities to deplore strongly the Iraqi forces violent attacks against the defenseless and unarmed residents of Camp Ashraf on April 8th, 2011 which left 35 residents killed and hundreds of others wounded. Concerns exist that if the UN does not immediately assume the protection of the residents, Iraqi authorities will carry out yet another armed attack against Ashraf residents. The proposal presented by the European Parliament is a peaceful and viable solution for Camp Ashraf, and I hope that the United Nations, the US and EU would assist in the implementation of this plan as they all have expressed their concern for the human rights and dignity of the residents of Ashraf to be preserved. Conditions that coincide with Ashraf residents rights under International Law and the Geneva Conventions must be realized for the grounds to be set to reach a permanent solution for the crisis in Ashraf. Until the full implementation of the European Parliament plan and during the transitional period, attempts by the US government,UN,EU are necessary to have the following preconditions accomplished: 1. The military occupation of Camp Ashraf must be brought to an end;

2. The 2-year-long inhumane siege against Camp Ashraf by the Iraqi government must be lifted. The camps gates must be opened to members of the residents families and their lawyers to visit the residents; 3. An independent investigation be carried out by a representative appointed by the UN on the April 8th attack against Camp Ashraf and the crimes committed inside the camp as has been called for by the UN Human Rights High Commissioner. I fully support the prosecution of the perpetrators of the crimes against humanity in Camp Ashraf; and 4. Ashrafs security and protection must be guaranteed with the reopening of the UN monitoring office (UNAMI) in Ashraf. The compulsory relocation of 3,400 unarmed refugees is illegal and violates UN standards and International Law and International Humanitarian Law provisions. It is very clear to me that relocation inside Iraq not only falls short of guaranteeing the end of repression and killing of Ashraf residents; in fact it places them in the midst of even greater threats. Therefore, compulsory relocation is not a realistic and practical solution, and in practice can only be preparations for another killing spree. Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu

Dr Williams THE Archbishop of Canterbury fears for Ashraf CHURCH TIMES 8 July 2011 THE Archbishop of Canterbury has issued a statement expressing his concern over the situation at Camp Ashraf, the refugee camp in Iraq that houses 3400 Iranian exiles, writes Ed Beavan. Dr Williams wrote last month that the humanitarian issues around the camp continue to give the gravest concern to many throughout the world. He said that all people of faith will condemn the violence to which people at the camp had been subjected, and called for protection for its residents. It is important that governments collaborate to secure the safety of Ashraf residents who are still living in a legal no-mans-land, uncertain who will take responsibility for their security.

Any forceful relocation of residents is prelude

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in to the massacre in Ashraf

UN chief urges solution to Iranian exiles in Iraq

UNITED NATIONS, July 19 (Reuters) - By Patrick Worsnip - U.N. chief Ban Ki-moon called in a report made public on Tuesday for stepped-up efforts to resolve the problem of Iranian exiles living at a camp in Iraq that was the scene of a bloody clash in April. Camp Ashraf, some 65 km (40 miles) from Baghdad, houses the People's Mujahideen Organization of Iran (PMOI), which mounted attacks on Iran before the U.S.-led overthrow of former Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein in 2003. The future of the camp has been uncertain since the United States turned it over to Iraqi control in 2009. Unlike Saddam, who fought an eight-year war with Iran in the 1980s, Iraq's current government is sympathetic towards Tehran and has vowed to close the camp by the end of this year. In April, the camp -- which houses 3,400 people -- was the scene of clashes between Iraqi security forces and residents, 34 of whom were killed according to a U.N. investigation. "I ... encourage all stakeholders involved to increase their efforts to explore options and seek a consensual solution that ensures respect for Iraq's sovereignty while also being consistent with international human rights law and humanitarian principles," Ban said in a regular report on Iraq. "To this end, I call upon (U.N.) member states to help to support and facilitate the implementation of any arrangement that is acceptable to the government of Iraq and the camp residents," the U.N. Secretary-General added. Earlier this month, PMOI leader Maryam Rajavi rejected a U.S. proposal to move the camp residents to another location chosen by the Iraqi government, saying the plan would lead to a "massacre." Camp residents have voiced fears that they will eventually be handed over to Iran. In his report, Ban urged Iraqi authorities to refrain from use of force and ensure adequate access for camp residents to goods and services. Rights group Amnesty International said in a statement last week that Iraq should halt "harassment" of the exiles, who have said they could not buy basic medicines and had been denied permission to travel outside the camp for medical treatment.

Iraqis call for solving camp Ashraf crisis in accordance to the European proposals
525,000 people in Iraq - Diyala Province sign declaration condemning massacre at Ashraf, urging UN protection of residents
Press Release: National Council of Tribes in Iraq Diyala Province July 2011 The Mojahedin are the esteemed guests of Iraq and Diyala; their presence in Ashraf is a national imperative for Iraqis; their displacement inside Iraq would be a prelude to their massacre. The secretariat of the National Council of Tribes in Iraq proudly announces that over 525,000 residents across Diyala province have signed a declaration in which they vehemently condemned the brutal attack by forces under Nouri alMalikis command against Ashraf on April 8, 2011. They declared that the presence of the Peoples Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK) in Iraq and in Ashraf is in line with the national interests of Iraq. They also described pressures imposed on the residents of Ashraf, as they relate to either expulsion from Iraq or displacement inside Iraq, as measures that would serve the interests of the religious fascism ruling Iran, which is the enemy of both nations. Dr. Tariq al-Hashimi, Iraqs Vice-President PMOIs presence in Iraq is legitimate and legal and within jurisdiction of international laws.
In an interview on 04 July 2011 with al-Sharqia Television Dr. Tariq al-Hashimi, the Vice-President of Iraq unequivocally stated that presence of PMOI in Iraq is not solely within Iraqi national jurisdiction, but is an international issue and the international community should find a solution for it. He stressed that PMOIs presence in Iraq is legitimate and legal and no harms should reach them. PMOI is Iraqs guest and must be treated in that framework. I am speaking about the international dimension of the issue. PMOIs presence today is not solely within a national jurisdiction, but it is an international one. That is to say that their presence, presence of foreign nationals on the Iraqi soil, has been in accordance to an international decision. Accordingly, it is the international community that will indeed solve this problem. Al-Sharqia: You are referring to the Peoples Mojahedin Organization of Iran? Tariq al-Hashimi: Yes. Therefore, I say that the President may have some information that I dont have, but what I am saying is that we should not go outside the framework of international laws. We must treat them as the guests of Iraq; we should not treat them in any other way and must not harm them in any way, until their final settlement is determined in accordance to the international laws. Deputy Prime Minister calls for a

Salih al-Mutlaq

comprehensive solution to the issue of Iranian refugees Ashraf camp

Baghdad -NINA(National Iraqi News Agency - 04 July 2011) - Deputy Prime Minister Salih al-Mutlaq called for finding a comprehensive solution to the issue of Iranian refugees Ashraf Camp, stressing that Iraq must participate in solving this issue with the international community. In a statement to NINA Mutlaq said: "The presence of the residents of Ashraf Camp in Iraq is legal and legitimate since its residents considered political refugees covered by the Fourth Geneva Convention. Mutlaq added: "The forcible transfer of Ashraf residents is contrary to international law, and if it done that would be resulted of external pressures." Mutlaq pointed out : "The matter of Ashraf residents became of an international character looking at how political decisionmaking after the withdrawal of U.S. troops from Iraq"

is prelude for a greater massacre

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Spanish National Court issues a writ against Maliki and summons three criminals involved in April 8 massacre in Ashraf
The court invites Ad Melkert, Special Representative of UN Secretary General for Iraq, and Struan Stevenson, President of Delegation for Relations with Iraq of the European Parliament, to stand as witnesses at the court Maryam Rajavi: Maliki must now put an end to the siege on Ashraf and all suppressive measures against Ashraf must stop. According to the court ruling and based on Fourth Geneva Convention, the United States is obliged to stop torture and violence and must immediately take back the protection of Ashraf residents from the Iraqi government and the assailant forces in order to prevent another massacre.
The Central Investigation Court Number Four of the Spanish National Court in its July 11, 2011 ruling accepted to investigate the complaint against those responsible for the massacre of Ashraf residents on April 8 that left 36 residents dead and 350 others wounded. According to this court ruling, Nuri al-Maliki, Prime Minister of Iraq, will be automatically summoned to the court as soon as he steps down as prime minister and judicial immunity is removed. Lieutenant General Ali Geidan, Commander of the Iraqi Ground Forces who led the massacre against Ashraf residents on April 8 under Malikis orders, Lieutenant Colonel Abdul-Latif al-Annabi, commander of the Iraqi battalion in Ashraf; and Major Jassem al-Tamimi have been ordered to appear before the court on October 3, 2011. According to video clips and documents available, al-Tamimi is the same officer who personally targeted and killed a number of Ashraf residents by direct shooting at them on April 8. The court also invited Ad Melkert, Special Representative of UN Secretary General for Iraq, and Struan Stevenson, President of Delegation for Relations with Iraq of the European Parliament, to attend the court as witness. This is the third and most important ruling by the Spanish court in the past two years summoning criminals and killers of Ashraf residents to appear before the court. During attacks on Ashraf by Iraqi forces, 47 residents, protected persons under the Fourth Geneva Convention, have been killed. 1,071 residents have been wounded by gunshots or hand grenades, or beaten by truncheons and batons, some ran down by armored vehicles. The Iraqi forces took 36 residents hostage in 2009 and kept them for 72 days. During the same period a number of Ashraf residents have died due to medical blockade of the camp. On November 26, 2009, the Spainish Court agreed to investigate the first complaint by virtue of the principle of universal jurisdiction to prosecute crime against humanity and war crimes under international conventions and laws. Article 146 of the Fourth Geneva Convention specifies that state signatories to the Convention are under the obligation to investigate, prosecute and condemn individuals who have committed grave breaches of the Convention and to search for persons alleged to have committed, or to have ordered to be committed, such grave breaches, and shall bring such persons, regardless of their nationality, before its own courts. Subsequently, the Spanish Court on December 27, 2010 and March 17, 2011 considered the murder, torture and inflicting damages to the Ashraf residents as examples of crime against international community, war crime, and crime against International Human Rights. In its ruling of December 27, 2010 the court stipulated: The Republic of Iraq granted extraterritorial status to the residents of Camp Ashraf, members of PMOI, in 1986, and on July 2, 2004 they were given the status of protected persons under the IV Geneva Convention by the occupying power, the United States of America, acting under the mandate of Resolution No. 1546 of June 8, 2004, of the United Nations Security Council. Drawing on Common Article Three of Geneva Conventions, the court described actions that are the subject of charges in the at-

tack against Ashraf as illegal behavior of the type registered in year 2000 in the international court of the former Yugoslavia that needs to be judicially investigated and prosecuted to punish those perpetrating flagrant breaches of Geneva Conventions. On May 31, 2010, in an unlawful reply to the court, the Iraqi Foreign Ministry claimed that the Iraqi government has conducted its own investigations! Hence, the criminals summoned refrained from appearing before the court on the assigned dates (March 8 and May 31, 2011). Commenting on the third Spanish Court ruling, Mrs. Maryam Rajavi, President-elect of the Iranian Resistance, said: Maliki must now put an end to the siege on Ashraf and all suppressive measures against Ashraf must stop. According to the court ruling and based on Fourth Geneva Convention, the United States is obliged to stop torture and violence and must immediately take back the protection of Ashraf residents from the Iraqi government and the assailant forces in order to prevent another massacre. Mrs. Rajavi added: 300 loudspeakers around Ashraf are threatening, insulting and psychologically torturing Ashraf residents 24 hours a day with ear splitting noise. Close to one thousand Muslim women have no security or peace. It is six months that upon orders of Maliki not a drop of gasoline has entered the camp and it is two months that in disregard for all recommendations made by the United Nations, no kerosene or gas has been allowed into Ashraf. Obstruction of Ashraf residents> free access to medical services has endangered the lives of hundreds of the wounded and the sick. Independent and transparent investigation on the massacre requested by the international community, especially by Ms. Pillay and Baroness Ashton, has been forgotten. At a time that we have accepted and are following on the European Parliament solution for transfer of Ashraf residents to third countries, the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad, face to face with this solution, calls Ashraf residents to an extremely perilous solution for an illegal relocation inside Iraq. This solution, in itself, paves the way for further massacres; while the United States, because of its undeniable responsibility to protect the lives of Ashraf residents, should be the first to investigate and answer for the crimes committed by Iraqi forces. Mrs. Rajavi added: I repeat that the issue of Ashraf and preventing the massacre of its residents is the test of adherence of President Obama to universal values he has obligated himself to. Ashraf is an indicator by which the Iranian people judge on whose side the United States is standing. Mrs. Rajavi expressly called on the United Nations Secretary General, the High Commissioner for Human Rights, and the UN High Commissioner for Refugees to intervene and prevent another humanitarian catastrophe and to station UN monitoring teams in Ashraf without delay. Secretariat of National Council of Resistance of Iran July 14, 2011

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President of Iraqi Parliament: We condemn the use of violence against these political refugees at Camp Ashraf
Struan Stevenson, Wednesday, 13th July 2011 MEP President of Iraqi Parliament in Brussels President, Delegation for The Honourable Osama al-Nujaifi, President of the Relations with Iraqi Parliament was welcomed on Tuesday, 12 July in Brussels by the European Parliament>s Foreign Affairs Iraq
Source: Website of the European Parliament By: Struan Stevenson, MEP

Committee Chairman and the President of the Delegation for Relations with Iraq. Mr. al-Nujaifi, who was heading a delegation of ten Iraqi MPs on the visit to the EU, attended a joint meeting of the Foreign Affairs Committee and the Delegation for Relations with Iraq. At the meeting, he explained about the current economic, political and security situation in Iraq, requesting assistance from the European Parliament and the EU to solve these issues. During the meeting both Mr Nujaifi and MEPs stressed

From left: Mr. Albertini, President of European Parliaments Foreign Affairs Committee; Honourable Osama al-Nujaifi, President of Iraqi Parliament, 12 July 2011, European Parliament

the need to end human rights violations in Iraq. Struan Stevenson emphasised his concerns over the failure to implement the Erbil Agreement which was the key instrument agreed by all of the political factions to create a national unity government. He also expressed concern at the failure to create a National Council for Strategic Policies and to appoint Ministers of Defence, Interior and Security, stating that the concentration of power over the intelligence services, security apparatus and Iraqi military in the office of the Prime Minister was dangerously undemocratic. Both sides agreed actively to support the expansion of the EUs role in the reconstruction of Iraq, on the clear

understanding that the Erbil agreement must be implemented and the human rights situation, together with respect for the rights of ethnic and religious minorities and foreign refugees in Iraq, improved. Some members of the Foreign Affairs Committee, by referring to several resolutions in the European Parliament on Camp Ashraf, expressed their grave concern over the situation there and the massacre on 8 April which resulted in the death of 36 unarmed civilians and over 340 wounded. They demanded an independent, international enquiry into the massacre. Mr Al-Nujaifi, the President of the Iraqi parliament said: We condemn the use of violence against these political refugees at Camp Ashraf and the loss of many lives there. An independent committee has to investigate the attack. We support the European solution of resettling the residents in third countries and if they can be transferred to Europe, it will be a logical solution. A plan proposed by the Americans to displace them inside Iraq has been rejected by all parties and we regard it unacceptable and we back the solution of third countries. We hope that the human rights of these political refugees would be respected and we regret what happened to them. Struan Stevenson also unveiled his initiative to hold a major conference on INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITIES IN IRAQ over two days on 5-6 December in Brussels, with the president of Iraq, the president of the European Commission, the president of the European Parliament and the Prime Minister of Poland attending. This conference will discuss energy, agriculture and trade, involving respective commissioners and ministers from Iraq. Mr Stevenson said that the EU will invite business and industry leaders from across Europe to attend and that this will highlight great opportunities to create jobs and prosperity in Iraq and to kick-start the Iraqi economy. This was widely supported by the Iraqi delegation. Struan Stevenson MEP President, Delegation for Relations with Iraq European Parliament- Brussels

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A European solution for Ashraf

Peaceful and permanent solution for Ashraf Proposal by the European Parliament Delegation for Relations with Iraq Pre-Condition for any negotiation for a long term solution:
Removal of Iraqi forces from the perimeter of Ashraf; an end to the siege of Ashraf; immediate access of the residents, in particular those critically wounded, to medical services; and an independent inquiry about the incident of April 8.

Solution:

Repatriation of the residents to other countries such as the US, Canada, EU member states, Switzerland, Norway, and Australia, as the long term solution for this crisis. This solution should include all the residents without exception. The issue of ownership and properties inside Iraq will be determined in the negotiation. From the day of initiation for a comprehensive solution until the transfer of all the residents will be considered as a transitional Period. In order to implement the comprehensive solution, a Committee of Coordination and Implementation would be set up. The Delegation urges the US, EU, UN, the Government and Parliament of Iraq, the Arab League, the residents of Ashraf, the Peoples Mojahedin Organization of Iran, and the National Council of Resistance of Iran to support this solution and provide the necessary facilities to this effect.

The forcible transfer of Ashraf residents inside Iraq, as has been suggested by various sources and hinted at by the Americans, is not a realistic and practical choice and in practice could only set the stage for another massacre.
Press release, 6 May 2011

Press release by Struan Stevenson President of EP Delegation for Relations with Iraq following his return from an official visit to Iraq in April 2011
Following my return from a high-level trip to Iraq last week and acting upon the request of the Special Representative of the UN Secretary General in Iraq, Ad Melkert, I held urgent meetings with Mrs. Maryam Rajavi, President-elect of the Iranian Resistance and official representatives of Ashraf residents outside of Iraq in her headquarters in Paris, on Wednesday, May 4, 2011. As President of the European Parliaments Delegation for Relations with Iraq, I visited Iraq from April 26-29 and met senior Iraqi, US and UN officials. The government of Iraq expressly forbade our delegation from visiting Camp Ashraf. An international crime has been perpetrated in the form of the massacre of 35 unarmed civilians and the wounding of hundreds of others on 8th April by Iraqi military and security forces. An independent international investigation must be conducted and those who committed these crimes should be brought to justice. However, my colleagues and I made it clear in our discussions in Iraq that we are prepared to seek a long-term and peaceful resolution based on negotiations involving all sides, accepting the position that the residents of Ashraf cannot stay in Iraq on a permanent basis and may be assisted to go to the 27 EU member states, in order to avoid further bloodshed and violence. I informed Mrs. Rajavi and representatives of the 3400 Ashraf residents that my colleagues and I are reviewing and preparing a realistic and practical plan to transfer Ashraf residents to third countries and I am hopeful that this solution will be announced in a press conference in Strasbourg on May 11. As I stated in a press release issued in Erbil on April 29 - We can then begin to broker a deal with the EU, US, UNAMI, UNHCR etc., but this is totally conditional on the following demands being met, namely: The removal of Iraqi forces from the perimeter of Ashraf; an end to the siege of Ashraf; immediate access of the residents, in particular those critically wounded, to medical services in public hospitals and private clinics in Iraq; and an independent inquiry about the incident of April 8, with those responsible for the killing of 35 unarmed civilians held to account. The forcible transfer of Ashraf residents inside Iraq, as has been suggested by various sources and hinted at by the Americans, is not a realistic and practical choice and in practice could only set the stage for another massacre. If the real intention of the government of Iraq is to remove members of the Peoples Mojahedin Organisation of Iran, who have lived in Ashraf for more than 20 years, from Iraq, it is better that instead of issuing deadlines that do not contribute to finding a permanent and peaceful solution, the Iraq government should provide the necessary assistance and actions to implement the solution offered by my delegation. Forcible transfer of these 3400 unarmed refugees would be illegal and in violation of international standards and provisions of International Humanitarian Law. Meanwhile, a month after the raid, while the Iraqi armed forces equipped with armoured vehicles still prevent the burial of 35 victims of the raid in the Camp cemetery, the issue of forcible transfer is being raised as a cover to eclipse the April 8 massacre and to set the stage for a new vicious assault.

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European Parliament Proposed Solution for Ashraf

in a comprehensive manner. 3- The issue of ownership and properties of Ashraf residents and the Peoples Mojahedin Organization of Iran inside Iraq will be

The delegation, while recognizing the rights of residents of Ashraf in accordance with international laws and conventions, is offering the possible repatriation of the residents to other countries such as the US, Canada, EU member states, Switzerland, Norway, and Australia, as the long term solution for this crisis.
determined in the negotiation. In the case of closure of Ashraf, settlement should be reached regarding compensation payable to residents of Ashraf. 4- From the day of initiation of negotiations for a comprehensive solution until the transfer of all the residents to third countries and the closure of Ashraf, will be considered as a transitional Period. In this stage, the following issues should be observed strictly so that the solution would not meet with failure: a. A commitment by the Iraqi authorities to end all judicial provocation and restrictions on Ashraf, and respect the rights of the residents in accordance with international humanitarian law b. The UN and US to guarantee the protection of Ashraf.

Introduction: The European Parliament has ratified two resolutions on Camp Ashraf on April 24, 2009 and November 25, 2010, recognizing the rights of residents of Ashraf in accordance with international treaties including the Fourth Geneva Convention. Additionally, in resolutions dated July 12, 2007 (paragraph 7) and September 4, 2008 (Paragraphs K and 9) the rights of Ashraf residents and the need for a peaceful and permanent resolution were reiterated. Following the adoption of the above mentioned four resolutions by the European Parliament, they were forwarded to authorities of Iraq, US, and UN. As a result of these resolutions, the issue of Ashraf was placed on the agenda of the official delegation of the European Parliament during its visit to Iraq from April 26 to 29. The Iraqi government refused permission to allow the delegation to visit Ashraf. The ultimatum given to the residents to leave Camp Ashraf by the end of 2011, if not complimented with good intentions and conditions guaranteed by EU, US, and UN, not only would eliminate a permanent peaceful solution for this crisis, but also could set the stage for a new massacre. Pre-Condition for any negotiation: In order to begin the negotiation for a long term solution, the following conditions needs to be met: 1. Removal of Iraqi forces from the perimeter of Ashraf. 2. An end to the siege of Ashraf (including lifting the ban on access to journalists, parliamentary groups, lawyers and family members of the residents). 3. Immediate access of the residents in particular those wounded, to medical services of public hospitals and private clinics in Iraq at their own expense. 4. An independent Inquiry by a panel of jurists being launched into the incident of April 8, 2011 during which 35 residents were killed and hundreds wounded. 5. Returning all the belongings confiscated on April 8 to Ashraf residents. Solution: 1- The delegation, while recognizing the rights of residents of Ashraf in accordance with international laws and conventions, is offering the possible repatriation of the residents to other countries such as the US, Canada, EU member states, Switzerland, Norway, and Australia, as the long term solution for this crisis. 2- This solution should include all the residents without exception

To implement the comprehensive solution, a Committee of Coordination and Implementation would be set up, which should include representatives such as Baroness Ashton, the US, the UN, the European Parliament, the Iraqi Government, the Peoples Mojahedin Organisation of Iran (representative from residents of Ashraf) and the NCRI.
c. Both sides completely to refrain from any propaganda, insult and allegation against each other during the transitional period. 5. In order to implement the comprehensive solution, a Committee of Coordination and Implementation would be set up, which should include representatives such as Baroness Ashton, the US, the UN, the European Parliament, the Iraqi Government, the Peoples Mojahedin Organisation of Iran (representative from residents of Ashraf) and the National Council of Resistance of Iran. 6. In this respect the Delegation urges the US, EU, UN, the

The Delegation urges the US, EU, UN, the Government and Parliament of Iraq, the Arab League, the residents of Ashraf, the Peoples Mojahedin Organization of Iran, and the National Council of Resistance of Iran to support this solution and provide the necessary facilities to this effect.
Government and Parliament of Iraq, the Arab League, the residents of Ashraf, the Peoples Mojahedin Organization of Iran, and the National Council of Resistance of Iran to support this solution and provide the necessary facilities to this effect.

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