"The Iranian regime’s meddling in Iraq and its support for terrorist groups there, are matters of growing concern to me.
"This brazen interference got a new dimension on Monday, May 29, when a city bus carrying more than 40 Iraqi workers to Camp Ashraf, home to the Iranian opposition the People’s Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI) was exploded by a road side bomb near the Iraqi town of Khalis. The terrorist attack left 13 dead and 15 wounded, some in critical condition.
"This hideous crime is not only tragic and deplorable, but also is also alarming since it puts the safety and well being of thousands of the PMOI members residing in Camp Ashraf in great and immediate danger.
"The terrorist attack came in the wake of several threats made by the Iranian regime on the Iraqi authorities regarding the presence of the PMOI in Iraq.
"The bombing on May 29, carried out just days after the Iranian Foreign Minister had visited Iraq, had all the characteristics of the recurrent terrorist attacks masterminded by the Iranian regime in Iraq. The Iranian regime has carried out more than 150 terrorist operations against the PMOI in Iraq.
"I would like to use this opportunity to reiterate that it is the plain duty of coalition forces to provide effective protection for these people in compliance with their present status. The "protected persons" status of the PMOI members should be upheld.
"I would also like to use this opportunity to request your Excellency to take the necessary measures to ensure that PMOI members at Ashraf will be granted political asylum status without any hesitation to ensure that their fundamental human rights will be respected."