Text of statement by ISJ:
The International Committee In Search of Justice (ISJ) welcomed adoption of a resolution by the
European Parliament on the “Humanitarian Situation of Camp Ashraf Residents” on 24 April 2009.
ISJ congratulated Ashraf residents, People’s Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK) and people of Iran for adoption of the resolution and described it as a sign of European people’s concern for human rights and humanitarian values and their respect for the Iranian people’s just resistance for democracy and human rights.
Adoption of the resolution also shows that Europeans and their lawmakers are watching the situation of Ashraf residents and respect for their rights by the Iraqi government with grave concern and scrutiny.
They call on the U.S. government and international organizations such as the International Committee of the Red Cross, UN High Commissioner for Refugees and High Commissioner for Human Rights to fulfil their responsibilities toward Ashraf residents and guarantee protection and respect for the rights of Ashraf residents.
ISJ comprised of 2,000 parliamentarians from both sides of Atlantic calls on the Iraqi government to endorse this resolution officially and in writing and declare its allegiance to it, implement its items, annul all restrictions and directives against Ashraf residents and acknowledge their rights.
This would be a test for Iraqi government’s commitment to democracy, human rights and international treaties and it would undoubtedly set as a very important criterion in the relations with the European Union.
Should the Iraqi government refrain from complying with the resolution, refuse its implementation and continue to violate the rights of Ashraf residents, there would remain no other alternative but to seek an international guarantee for protection of Ashraf and the U.S. government to assume the responsibility of protection under its international obligations. This is particularly important as the residents of Ashraf are absolutely defenceless following the hand over of all their arms to the U.S. forces and the U.S. commitment to protect them.
ISJ also calls on the UN Secretary General and the Security Council to ensure protection of Ashraf residents, respect for their rights and implementation of April 24 European Parliament resolution and call on related countries, in particular the U.S. to guarantee implementation of the resolution.
Alejo Vidal- Quadras
Vice President of the European Parliament
President of the International Committee In Search of Justice
30 April 2009