Iraqis sign declaration opposing Iranian regime, supporting PMOI

United Press International
June 17, 2008

BAGHDAD, June 16 (UPI) -- More than 3 million Iraqi Shiites signed a petition sponsored by the leaders of the People's Mujahedin of Iran [PMOI/MEK] opposing Iranian influence in Iraqi affairs.

The declaration, which also called for the lifting of a measure curtailing the activity of the PMOI [MEK] in Ashraf City in eastern Iraq, was announced at the fourth conference for the Solidarity Congress of the Iraqi People.

The PMOI [MEK] said in the statement announcing the declaration that it was a strategic move to offset Iran's sway over Baghdad.

President-elect of the National Council of Resistance of Iran Maryam Rajavai said the "slogan of eviction" against the PMOI had turned into a "slogan for the Iraqi people" opposing the Iranian regime.

She praised the delegation for advocating friendly relations with Iran, adding the people of Iraq were in a struggle to create a democratic society free from fundamentalist influence.

Several Iraqi politicians from the Sunni Islamic Party of Iraq of Vice President Tariq al-Hashimi, the Islamic Unity Party and several other blocs, including the Iraqi Accordance Front, attended the conference in Ashraf City.