US hopeful of deal with Iran rebels

US hopeful of deal with Iran rebels
Daily Telegraph
By Anton La Guardia, Diplomatic Editor
April 18, 2003

American-led troops were trying to secure a ceasefire and the surrender of thousands of Iranian rebel fighters who had been supported by Saddam Hussein, US Central Command said yesterday.

In a parallel conflict to the main war, Brig Gen Vincent Brooks, deputy operations director at Central Command, said coalition forces had been targeting Mujahideen-e-Khalq camps.

"There's work that's ongoing right now to try to secure some sort of agreement that would be a ceasefire and capitulation," he said. "It will most likely unfold within the coming days."

The rebels have declared themselves "neutral" in the war, but have long operated under Saddam's patronage in camps east of Baghdad, near the border with Iran.

The coalition attacks against the main Iranian opposition group are a positive signal to Teheran, even though America regards its clerical regime as being part of the "axis of evil".

The Mujahideen-e-Khalq has some support in the US Congress and the House of Commons, but is formally considered by both America and Britain to be a terrorist organisation.

Teheran officials have demanded the extradition of the group's leaders to stand trial in Iran, saying they were "negotiating with all countries about the leaders of this group".

The mujahideen have accused Iran of sending thousands of fighters to eliminate the rebel camps, but the coalition has not confirmed the claim.

A senior rebel official, Mohammad Mohaddessin, confirmed that there were talks with the US forces but did not refer to a surrender.

"We are trying to reach a mutually acceptable agreement and understanding with them," he said, describing the attacks on the camps as "astounding and regrettable".