Iraq bans dealings with Iran opposition group

Associated Press
Tuesday, June 17, 2008

BAGHDAD (AP) — The Iraqi government Tuesday banned any dealings with an Iranian opposition group based in Iraq.

In an official statement, Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki's Cabinet accused the Mujahedeen Khalq organization of interfering in Iraq's internal affairs.

"The Cabinet decided to ban any dealings with this organization by any Iraqi or foreign individual, organization or party," the statement said. The government said those who violate the order will face charges under the anti-terror law.

Before the U.S.-led invasion in 2003, the Mujahedeen Khalq enjoyed Saddam Hussein's full support. It was used to quell domestic unrest by Shiites and Kurds after Iraq's defeat in Gulf War in 1991. But U.S. troops demilitarized the group and confined its fighters to a camp northeast of Baghdad, under the protection of the multinational forces.

The Cabinet demanded that the coalition turn over checkpoints around the camp to Iraqi control. The discussion in parliament Tuesday over the government move broke down along ethnic and sectarian lines.

Shiite and Kurdish lawmakers described the group as a threat to Iraq's national security, while Sunni lawmakers alleged that the group is not involved in any terrorist acts.

Iranian opposition criticizes Iraqi government

BAGHDAD (AP) — An Iranian opposition group said Wednesday that the Iraqi government's move to ban dealings with it reflected pressures on Baghdad by Iran.

The statement followed an announcement Tuesday by Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki's Cabinet accusing the Mujahedeen Khalq organization — known as the MEK — of interfering in Iraq's internal affairs and supporting anti-government activities…

The MEK said the Iraqi statement was a "flagrant breach of international law and conventions" and called on the U.N. Security Council to insist that the Iraqis back down.

"The stance" taken by the government "is the reflection of hysterical pressures of the religious fascism ruling Iran and its embassy in Baghdad on the Iraqi government to take revenge on the (MEK) because 3 million Iraqi Shiites have rejected the Iranian regime," the MEK said.

A prominent Sunni lawmaker, Saleh al-Mutlaq, said that the government decision shows how much influence Iran wields over the Shiite-led Iraqi government.

Al-Mutlaq, who heads an 11-member block in parliament, said that the MEK should be used to counter Iran's "destructive role" in Iraq.

"It is an organization that opposes a regime that interferes in our affairs and wants to settle old scores with America on our soil," he said.