Iraqi groups condemn Iran regime's plots against PMOI

Secretariat of the National Council of Resistance of Iran
Tuesday, 08 August 2006

NCRI - The secretary general of the Iraqi People’s Congress, Dr. Adnan al-Dulaimi in a statement reiterated, "We consider the PMOI a friendly organization which is a partner in our demands for peace and democracy in Iraq. In the past three years, PMOI members have been an inspiration to us in our political process Similarly, in accordance with Iraqi and international laws, members of the PMOI, who have been present in Iraq for more than twenty years, have a legal status of political refugees The terrorist label on the PMOI which is publicized by the Iranian regime should not be used as a lever for exerting pressure on PMOI.

The statement goes on to say, "The Iraqi people are aware that the only party which demands the PMOI's expulsion from Iraq and depriving them from their rights to beliefs and free speech is the Iranian regime so that it can meddle in Iraq’s internal affairs with an open hand. We also consider inhumane actions such as depriving the People’s Mojahedin from buying food, fuel and medicines to be effectively a siege against this organization in Iraq. We condemn this action and believe it to be a violation of Arabic and Islamic customs."

Separately, in an interview with Iran National Television (opposition television station), Dr. al-Dulaimi, who also heads the Iraqi Accord Front, said, "The PMOI’s presence in Iraq is legitimate and in accordance with Iraqi laws". He added, "I want Iraqi forces to recognize them as refugees under international laws. The PMOI is a political organization and has no influence on Iraq’s situation and does not meddle in Iraq’s internal affairs."

The Iraqi Peace Party in a statement said, "Remarks by Iraqi officials to restrict PMOI members in Iraq and the cutting off of their fuel, medicine, and other necessities is against the social principles and wisdom of Iraqi people who have emphasized on the PMOI's right to political asylum in Iraq. 5.2 million Iraqis have attested to that fact by signing a petition in support of the PMOI. Such remarks and actions open the way to an Iranian plot against the Iraqi people and the Middle East. Iran is a country whose people are under the yoke of a fundamentalist religious rule. It has a government which is the main state sponsor of terrorism in the world and currently threatens world security. Iran plays a major role in Iraq's problems. It has interfered in the country’s domestic affairs and has sabotaged Iraqi security. The pressure that is exerted on the PMOI by cutting off their water, fuel, and other necessities has the Iranian regime's foot steps. One of the most important signs of independence for the Iraqi government is abiding by international law and reaffirming the refugee status of PMOI members who have been in Iraq for two decades."

In a statement that was published in Iraqi dailies, the Iraqi United Islamic Party responded to the plot by the Iranian regime against the PMOI. "The PMOI is the antitheses of and strong political barrier against the Iranian regime’s fundamentalism and terrorism and for that reason it is the main target for political and propaganda attacks by the enemies. Therefore, we warn all Iraqi political parties and personalities, and all the good people of Iraq to be alarmed at the pressures which are being exerted on the PMOI. These pressures are not only against the PMOI but also against all democratic forces in Iraq."

Secretariat of the National Council of Resistance of Iran
August 8, 2006