In a report from Baghdad on security measures in to combat insurgent activity, the Iraqi government again clarified its position regarding the Mojahedin Khalq organization (aka Rajavi cult). 18 February 2007 Meanwhile, Iraqi cabinet spokesman Ali Al Dabagh said the government regarded the Iranian [Mojahedin] Khalq opposition group, which Iraq harboured during former President Saddam Hussein’s reign, as “a terrorist” group. Al Dabagh said that the group should be forced to leave since “the constitution forbids the presence of any organization that is engaged in or supports in terrorism in the Iraqi territories.” Less than a month before Al Dabagh’s comments, a [Mojahedin] Khalq spokeswoman had told pan-Arab Al Sharq Al Awsat that the group’s faction in Iraq, which lives in a camp east of Baghdad, has stopped its activities. “We only have around 4,000 men, women and children who reside in Ashraf camp near Diyali,” Dawla Norouzi said, adding: “We respect the Iraqi government.” Norouzi said that [Mojahedin] Khalq activities in were reduced to “cultural and educational” activities. [Mojahedin] Khalq has been struggling against the Iranian regime for more than two decades.
Iraqi Authorities’ stance on the MEK
In a meeting with his Iranian counterpart, Iraqi interior minister Javad Bulani pointed to the terrorist records of the MKO and said that it’s presence in Iraq was illegal.
According to IRNA, Javad Bulani stressed that, "The continuation of MKO’s presence in Iraq can create, besides security problems, obstacles in the way of expanding ties with the Islamic Republic."
According to him, Iraqi government seeks the expulsion of the group and doesn’t like the ties between two sides be influenced by the presence of this group in Iraq.
"In the new Iraq, there’s no place for groups that can have negative impacts on relations with neighboring countries," he said.
"The two countries should be careful in preserving the security of their borders and to achieve that the two sides have already taken good steps," he added.
In the meeting, Hassan Kazemi Qomi, Iranian ambassador to Iraq invited his Iraqi counterpart to visit his country.
According to IRNA, quoting an Iraqi security officer, the conference of "Discussing the Role of Terrorist Groups in Destabilizing Operations against Iraqis" was held last weekend in Iraq.
IRNA – 2007/02/13
Baghdad: The Iraqi government wants members of an Iranian opposition group to leave the country because it is a "terrorist organisation" and the Iraqi constitution bans hosting such movements, chief spokesman Ali Al Dabbagh said yesterday.
Al Dabbagh said members of the People’s Mujahideen Organisation of Iran, or Mujahideen-e-Khalq, have been told they must go to Iran "or any other country" and should "arrange their residence in a country other than Iraq."
"The Cabinet affirms that the legal character of this organisation is a terrorist organisation," Al Dabbagh said during a news conference.
"We in Iraq have enough problems and we are passing through difficult circumstances. The constitution affirms that terrorist organisations should not be hosted."
He said a joint committee including representatives of the US, Iraq and the Mujahideen had been established to arrange for the group’s departure. He gave no deadline for them to leave.
Prime Minister Nouri Al Maliki said in July he would ban the organisation, which opposes the cleric-dominated government in Tehran, from distributing statements and would restrict its fighters from leaving their camp in eastern Iraq, which was established during the rule of Saddam Hussain.
At the time, Al Maliki said the group’s legal status would be reviewed. The US also considers the People’s Mujahideen a terrorist organisation.
Al Dabbagh’s comments came amid rising tension between the United States and Iran and weeks after the Iraqi government told the two countries to solve their problems away from Iraq’s territories.
The United States has accused Iran of aiding extremist groups that attack US forces in Iraq.
In the past two months US troops have detained eight Iranians in Baghdad and the northern city of Irbil. Five of them are still in US custody.
The People’s Mujahideen Organisation of Iran has thousands of members in Iraq, most of them in Camp Ashraf in the eastern Diyala province that borders Iran.
Dozens of others have been stranded on the Iraq-Jordan border for years. The organisation was founded in the late 1960s and fled to Iraq in the early 1980s after it fell out with the clerical regime of Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini.
During Saddam Hussain’s rule, the movement used Iraq as a base for operations against Iran’s government.
AP, February 2, 2007
Iraq’s Vice President Adel Abd-al-Mahdi said Iraqi authorities have been assured of the release of Iranian diplomats recently abducted by the US.
"We have been assured that Iranian diplomats would be released in the near future," said Abd-al-Mahdi in a joint press conference with Iran’s top nuclear negotiator Ali Larijani Wednesday.
He said Baghdad has had done a lot and has good cooperation with Tehran in connection with freedom of the Iranian diplomats.
He added, "We give the assurance that Iraqi government is much sensitive and cares for Iranian citizens; in that connection too it will do its best."
He added that Iraq has been trying to secure the release of Iranian nationals soon after their capture by US forces.
Asked on pullout of the US forces from Iraq, the Iraqi vice president said Iraqi government has always been trying to train Iraqi forces to speed up the restoration of security in the country so that the ground would be prepared for exit of foreign forces.
As for Iran’s interest to train Iraqi forces, he said such proposals are made due to close and good ties between Iranian and Iraqi interior ministries and security establishments and ‘today there are very good ties between the ministries’.
He said there are a series of issues which are connected with security in Iraq and Iran, one of which being the presence of the outlawed terrorist Mujahideen Khalq Organization in Iraq.
He added that Baghdad tries to settle the case as a matter of responsibility.
He stressed that Tehran has always, including after fall of Saddam, been supportive to Iraqi people, including during the formation of the transitional government and governing council, compilation of constitution and parliamentary elections.
He said Baghdad tries to restore security in Iraq with the cooperation of neighboring states and the US.
He described his talks with Larijani as good.
IRNA, February 1, 2007
In a meeting with Deputy Iraqi Interior Minister for Security Affairs"Shirvan Al-Vaeli", Iranian Foreign Minister "Manouchehr Mottaki" said that in the light of good relationships between the two countries, the presence of Iranian opposition groups in Iraq is not acceptable and that Iranian government and people are waiting for the extradition of criminals and the expulsion of enemies from Iraq.
In the meeting, Vaeli stated: "We are satisfied with the good ties between Islamic Republic and Iraq. Iraqi officials are willing to strengthen bilateral relations and Iraqi PM stresses the development of ties with the Islamic Republic."
Referring to the efforts of enemies to intensify unrest in Iraq, he said: "Enemies of Iraqis seek to disrupt the process of establishment of Iraq’s legal institutions. Iraqi government is strongly determined to boost its security plans in order to establish security and stability in the country."
Despite the approval of a ruling by former Iraqi Governing Council (IGC) on the expulsion of MKO from Iraq, the leader of the group are trying all possible ways to stay in that country.
The leaders of the group claim that the presence of the group in Iraq is legal and sometimes claim to be refugees; recently they tried to introduce the group as a political front.
During referendum on Iraqi constitution last year, this terrorist organization was trying to enter Iraq’s political scene when it claimed that Iraq’s new constitution had been written in Iran! At that time, Iraqi government responded to the situation properly.
In recent months also, by spending millions of dollars, the group has been trying to buy supporters in Iraq the newest example of which was the distribution of pamphlets under the name of Iraqi tribes, asking for the staying of MKO in Iraq.
More than 100 lawyers, tied to the former regime of Saddam Hussein and all from the dissolved Baathist party, released a statement in favor of MKO and claimed that the group’s presence in Iraq is legal.
Meanwhile, Article 7 of Iraq’s constitution- approved by 70% of Iraqis- expresses clearly that the presence of terrorist groups in Iraq is illegal.
On the other hand, it should be noted that terrorist organization of Mojahedin-e Khalq has committed terrorist activities against both Iranians and Iraqis.
MKO was involved in suppressing Kurds and Shiites in early 90s and the court of Saddam Hussein is expected to release the names of its leaders as the ones who committed crimes against Iraqis.
Earlier, Iraqi government emphasized that it would prosecute the MKO if its crimes against Iraqis are proved.
In an interview with IRNA’s correspondent in Baghdad, an eminent Iraqi lawyer discussed the issue of MKO from a legal viewpoint.
Tariq Harb, a senior lawyer in Iraq’s Judiciary, is the head of the ‘Population of Disseminating Law Culture in Iraq’. He is also one of the senior lawyers in Saddam court.
Citing Iraqi constitution, Harb said the presence of MKO in Iraq was illegal.
"Iraqi constitution clearly bans the presence of terrorist groups in the country. In legal terms, group’s presence in Iraq is illegal," he said.
On contradiction between MKO presence and Iraqi constitution, Harb said: "European countries and the US as well as many of the world’s countries have designated the MKO as a terrorist organization. Also, Iraqi constitution declares that no terrorist group should be allowed to stay in Iraq soil (article 7)."
"Article 8 of the Iraqi constitution reads that Iraq observes the principle of good neighborliness, and it should reject organizations conducting military or political operations against adjacent countries. So, the presence of groups like MKO and PKK in Iraq is illegal."
On the illegal presence of the MKO, he continued to say: "According to the laws of Iraqi non-governmental organizations and the Iranian group’s nature, the MKO has never been enlisted as foreign non-governmental organizations operating in the country. So, the MKO is not considered a legal entity and its presence is illegal."
Tareq Harb added: "Several complaints by MKO against real and legal groups or people have not been pursued by Iraqi courts because basically the MKO’s presence in Iraq can’t be accepted."
"Iraqi government should have no interaction with this terrorist group in Iraq," he said on the issue of Iraqi government’s approach toward the group.
"IGC ordered the expulsion of the group and recently, Iraqi PM said they couldn’t stay in Iraq anymore".
On repentant members of MKO who want to return to their country, Harb said:
"Iraqi government can’t help the issue. This is something that should be pursued by international organizations like Red Cross and Red Crescent. Even if they are in Iraq as refugees they can’t claim of rights. Refugee rules don’t force the host country to accept them. Despite the claims of the group, hosting countries can expel them in the case they’re not going to extradite them to their country of origin."
On MKO weapons, given to them by Saddam regime, he said:
"All their weapons and equipments, considered the properties of Iraq, should be returned to the government. Properties of other countries should also be returned to their own countries."
On the statements released under the name of Iraqi lawyers and tribal leaders in favor of MKO, he stated: "Today, one can buy others by money. There’s only money behind such supports for a terrorist organization. They can easily contact others in Iraq and offer them money in exchange of expressing support for them."
"Despite all claims, Iraqis hate the group and even tribesmen of Dyala, in which the MKO’s camp is located, dislike the group strongly."
Mr. Harb expressed hope that the elements of this terrorist group be expelled from his country as soon as possible so that good ties with neighboring nations are not damaged.
IRNA – 2006/12/28
In an interview with IRNA, former Iraq Prime Minister Ibrahim al-Jaafari responded to a question on the “illegal presence of terrorist Mojahedin-e Khalq organization in Iraq”.
“Our position towards non-Iraqi groups from neighboring countries is based on having well relationship with neighbors,” he said.
Former Iraqi PM added: “Based on this attitude, if Turkish Kurds’ Workers’ Party operates against Turkey, it will be banned from further activities.”
“Relations with Iran are also based on good will and we won’t accept MKO’s operations against Iran. This policy also applies about other neighboring countries. Iraqi government will not allow non-Iraqi groups to perform sabotage operations against other countries from Iraq. For these groups including the MKO, we have predicted two options: either leaving the country as soon as possible or stopping operations against other countries,” he added.
According to former Iraqi PM, the activities of all groups should be conducted in the framework of Iraqi constitution, according to which terrorist groups have no place in Iraq.
Mr. Jalal Talebani once more confirmed the determination of Iraqi government on the issue of expulsion of MKO from his country.
In a meeting with Mr. Hasheminejad the president of Habilian Association, Mr.Talebani assured him that MEK has no place in Iraq. Mr. Hasheminejad is the representative of victims of MKO’s terrorism (the children of those who were martyred by MKO).
During the meeting Mr. Hasheminejad presents a report of the situation of the families who were victims of MKO terrorist operations. Mr. Talebani declaring his regret because of the presence of such a group in his country notified that MKO has cause a lot of damage in Iraq including its close cooperation with Saddam Intelligence Services and its direct relation with Saddam in order to commit crimes against Iraqi people.
Mr. Talebani added :" In their attack against Kurdistan, MEK caused much pain to the people, however the document of that invasion can be seen in the high price the MKO paid in Kurdistan, I mean the killing of several dozens of their fighters." he said:" During the last days of Saddam’s dictatorship when the groups of people were going on pilgrimage to Imam’s Shrines, MKO used the opportunity to serve Ba’ath Regime in those last moments and formed a group of mercenaries to kill the pilgrims.
Mr,Talebani declaring his regret again, stated that the group deserves the public and deep hatred which is in Iraqis’ hearts.
After such tragic events, the people and the government of Iraq demanded the expulsion of MKO from their territory. Therefore the Iraqi government has given a six-month deadline to them in order to leave Iraqi soil.
Habilian Association, December3,2006
Iraqi president terms Iran’s stance on Iraq "very good" Iraqi President Jalal Talabani on Tuesday termed Iran’s stand on Iraq and the Iraqi democratic process in the aftermath of Saddam regime as "very good". Talking to representatives of Iranian press in Iraq, he regretted that some western and Arab media had distorted his remarks on Iraqi neighboring states. "I, personally, have very good and amicable ties with the three countries of Iran, Turkey and Syria," he said lambasting several western media for distorting the statement he made during his recent visit to the US. "The distortion reflects the fact that the Western media are concerned over close relations between Iraq and its three neighboring countries, particularly the Islamic Republic of Iran," the president added. The Iraqi government and people will never forget assistance of the Islamic Republic of Iran in the past few years, he reiterated. Iraq is interested in establishment of relations with all countries, including its neighbors, on the basis of mutual respect and non-interference, President Talabani noted. As to the Iraqi government stand about the terrorist Mujahedin-e Khalq Organization (MKO), Talabani said according to the Iraqi Constitution, there is no place for terrorist groups in Iraq.
Members of the MKO helped the Saddam regime in its suppression of Iraqi Kurdistan, he said adding that all MKO members will be expelled from Iraqi territory as soon as possible.
Oct 4, IRNA
Iran: Iraq’s PM visit to Iran a turning point Visiting Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki conferred yesterday with Chairman of Expediency Council Ayatollah Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani. In the meeting, Rafsanjani emphasized the importance of Iraq’s national unity and territorial integration. He said, "National reconciliation plan in Iraq is a positive step and its achievements would benefit the whole region." Expressing concern over existing insecurity in Iraq, EC chairman blamed occupiers for instability and said the Iraqis can solve their own problems with relying on their domestic potentials. He added Iraq’s neighboring countries can benefit from security and stability in Iraq and must do their utmost to help Iraqi people and government. Emphasizing the Iraqi government and nation’s intention to expand and consolidate ties with Iran, Nuri al-Maliki said, "Iraq wants a relation upon mutual understanding free from tension and interference with Iran." Referring to Iraq problems, al-Maliki said, "Iraqi government is trying to take full control on security matters by its own armed forces to decrease its reliance on multi national forces." Al-Maliki called economic relations with Iran very important and added, strengthening cooperation in the fields of oil, agriculture, water and electricity have been under special attention in this visit. During the trip, he also said "our policy is non-interference in domestic affairs of neighboring countries, respecting mutual interests and trying to solve remaining problems of the deposed regime ( of Saddam Hussein)." He stressed that establishment of security in Iraq is not only in benefit of Iraqi people, but in benefit of all regional countries. Regarding the members of Mujahedeen Khalq Organization (MKO), who are still in Iraq, al-Maliki said they have six months time to leave Iraq. Iran welcomed Iraqi National Reconciliation Plan at the final joint press communique here at the end of official visit of Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri Kamal al-Maliki. In the joint communique, which was released on Wednesday evening, Tehran welcomed Iraqi government’s efforts, especially announcing national reconciliation plan by Nuri al-Maliki to invite all Iraqi groups to participate actively in the political process of the country. Tehran also welcomed the recent Iraqi government decision on expelling terrorist group of Mujahedeen Khalq Organization (MKO) from Iraq and called it a positive step in deepening ties between the two neighboring countries. Three Memorandums of Understanding (MoU) were signed here on Wednesday evening. Cooperation between Iran’s Interior Ministry and Iraqi Immigration Ministry to facilitate affairs of both countries citizens was the first MoU signed between Iran’s Interior Minister Mostafa Pour Mohammadi and the Iraqi minister. The second MoU was about security cooperation and exchanging information which was signed by Iran’s Intelligence Minister Gholam-Hossein Mohseni Eje’ie and Iraqi National Security Advisor Mwaffaq al-Rabiei. The third agreement was about development and expansion of cooperation between the two countries which was signed by Iran’s First Vice-President Parviz Davoudi and Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri Kamal al-Maliki.
First Vice-President Parviz Davoudi called Iraqi PM visit to Tehran as a turning point in bilateral relations adding the positive and important outcome of the visit will be seen soon.
After signing ceremony of the three MoUs, Davoudi said ties between the two countries have deep roots in commonalities and both countries intend to expand ties in different political, economic, social and cultural fields.
He said Iran supports fully al-Maliki government adding, "We had good discussions concerning the latest situation in Iraq, about establishment of stability and security and solving problems in that country."
ArabicNews.com – September 14, 2006