March 21, 2009
Following are excerpts from the Arabic text
The Iraqi National Accord Movement led by former prime minister Iyad Allawi called on the Iraqi government to guarantee the security and safety of residents of Camp Ashraf, which belongs to the Iranian opposition People’s Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK). The National Accord Movement also made a plea to the UN High Commissioner for Refugees to intervene with Baghdad in order to prevent measures which could threaten the lives of the camp’s residents.
The Iraqi National Accord said that Ashraf residents (located in Diyala province, northern Iraq) have lived in Iraq for 20 years and there are a set of international laws, such as humanitarian and human rights laws in addition to refugee laws based on the Fourth Geneva Convention, all of which are directly relevant to the situation of Ashraf City residents. These laws also endow those who would be at risk if expelled or repatriated to their home country with rights of residence and protection, said the movement’s press release a copy of which was provided to Elaph. There are 3,418 Iranian opponents residing in Camp Ashraf.
The statement pointed out that for these reasons and in view of the humanitarian principles, the UN High Commissioner for Refugees in Iraq must rise up to its responsibilities and intervene with Iraqi officials to prevent the adoption of a measure seriously threatening the lives and security of Ashraf City residents through forced displacement from Iraq.
The Iraqi National Accord demanded safety and security guarantees for Ashraf residents from the Iraqi government and requested providing protection to them for humanitarian reasons and compliance with international laws and human rights principles.