Philippe Douste-Blazy: Camp Ashraf Residents Doubly Persecuted in Iran and in Exile

NCRI - In an international conference held in Paris on Friday, January 6, at the invitation of the CFID (French Committee for Democracy and Human Rights in Iran), dozens of distinguished American and European dignitaries warned of obstructions and non-cooperation by the Iranian regime and Government of Iraq in guaranteeing a peaceful solution for Camp Ashraf, where members of the Iranian opposition reside in Iraq.

The conference speakers were Maryam Rajavi, President-elect of the Iranian Resistance; Gov. Howard Dean, former Governor Vermont, Chair of the Democratic National Committee (2005-2009) and US presidential candidate (2004); Gov. Tom Ridge, former Governor of Pennsylvania and the first US Homeland Security Secretary (2003-2005); Louis Freeh, Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (1993-2001); Gov. Ed Rendell, Chair of the Democratic National Committee (1999-2001) and Governor of Pennsylvania (2002-2011); Judge Michael Mukasey, US Attorney General in the Bush Administration (2007-2009); Ambassador Mitchell Reiss, former Director of Policy Planning at the US Department of State; General James Conway, Commandant of the US Marine Corps (2006-2010); Rep. Patrick Kennedy, Member of US House of Representatives (1995-2011); Gen. Chuck Wald, former Deputy Commander of US European Command; Gen. David Phillips, Commander of U.S. Military Police (2008-2011); Prof. Alan Dershowitz, one of the most prominent advocates of individual rights and the most well-known lawyer in criminal cases in the world; Ambassador Dell Dailey, Head of the State Department's counterterrorism office (2007-09); Col. Wesley Martin, former Senior Anti-terrorism Force Protection Officer for all Coalition Forces in Iraq and Commander of Forward Operation Base in Ashraf; Prof. Ruth Wedgwood, Chair of International Law and Diplomacy at Johns Hopkins University; Philippe Douste-Blazy, Former French Foreign Minister and to the UN Secretary General; Alain Vivien, former French Minister of State for European Affairs; Rita Süssmuth, former President of German Bundestag; Günter Verheugen, European Commissioner (1999-2010) and former Advisory Minister in German Foreign Ministry; and Sen. Lucio Malan, Member of Italian Senate.

Below is speech by Hon. Philippe Douste-Blazy:

Dear Mrs. Rajavi, Governors, Ladies and gentlemen, today we all have mixed feelings. On the one hand, of course, a sense of relief, but also a tremendous sense of anxiety. On the one hand we found that together we could form a force capable of preventing a massacre announced a long time ago, because our powers of persuasion made it clear that the Maliki government had no benifit in maintaining its December 31 deadline for the closure of Camp Ashraf.

On the other hand, we still feel this concern, since the danger continues to loom over the residents of Ashraf.

Yes, I am against an unjustified relocation of the residents of Ashraf to another location in Iraq. Yes, I denounced the waste of time that the Iraqi government has imposed on the High Commission for Refugees, as it was prepared to start the status determination of every resident of Ashraf since September to prepare for transfer to a third country. And finally, yes, I have called the insistence of the Iraqi government unintelligent.

But now, I cannot hide my surprise when I learned that Mrs. Rajavi and representatives of the residents of Ashraf had accepted to move to Camp Liberty in order to make way for a peaceful solution to this serious humanitarian crisis. I admit, I was amazed. This reflects the deep trust the Iranian Resistance has in the United Nations agencies and the commitments given by countries, starting with the U.S. about the safety of the residents of Ashraf.

This responsible attitude of Mrs. Rajavi also increases the responsibility of the UN in seeking a peaceful solution. I wish, dear Mrs. Rajavi, pay tribute to your courage, your determination, and tell you that I join you in calling for a major international conference on this painful subject. As Assistant Secretary of the United Nations, I certainly feel a certain pride, I thank you.

I can only rejoice at the progress and the efforts of United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon. And especially his special representative in Iraq, Martin Kobler. We are all aware that the terms of the MoU signed with the Iraqi government did not meet the minimum requirements of safety for the residents of Ashraf. It is only as a result of commitments made by the Special Representative to Ashraf which was stated in his letter to the residents that they could finally agree to leave the place that was, let us not forget, for 25 years, their homes and where they made their lives.

But I would say to Ambassador Bolton, if the United Nations has a responsibility, and I will return this subject, the United States also has a responsibility. And Mr. Ambassador, you know that my country has not always shared the same positions as your country on Iraq. And for being a member of the Security Council of the United Nations as foreign minister of my country, I know the Secretary General of the United Nations’ positions is only the result of what countries want. So, ask your ambassador and ask our French ambassador to pressure the Security Council that the UN should exert even more pressure on the Iraqi government.

This evening I want to focus on what happened after the agreement. I note that since December 30, 400 residents of Ashraf said they were willing to travel with their vehicles, with their property, to Camp Liberty. We are on January 6, and to date, the Iraqi government is still an obstacle to the move.

So the international community has only one question to ask: Why? Why do we require of the residents of Ashraf not to take their vehicles? Why do we require of the residents of Ashraf not to use their right to take facilities related to infrastructure of the new camp? Why are they not even allowed to go to visit the new camp and to assess the priority needs? Why? Let us ask ourselves this question. And we should, if there is no answer, be wondering if this does not look like a forced displacement to a prison camp.

Is the Iraqi government trying to divert the world attention and shirk commitments given to the UN? In any case the suspicion remains on those who have violated their words and commitments in the past and have never treated residents of Ashraf humanely and have even committed terrible massacres in July 2009 and April 2011. Do not forget; do not allow the Iraqi government to exploit the UN agencies.

And then, dear friends, one word more personal. As a physician, I am outraged by the fact that on January 2, the transfer of three patients in a hospital was prevented by the Iraqi authorities, while the hospitalization of three patients was accepted at first. It was denied in the final minutes. It has been three years since the Iraqi government prevents, impedes the resident-patients of Ashraf from seeking treatment. That to me is an arbitrary attitude, an inhuman attitude, which has also killed twelve people in recent months. That's something for me absolutely unacceptable. These are rights, essential to seek treatment.

I am here tonight with you, with you, Madam President, along with Ashraf, who I am sure, hear me. Alongside these prominent personalities who fought against the slowness of their administration and sometimes against their comfort to save these lives. So I say to you tonight that you were right to fight, we will never abandon even one of the residents of Ashraf.

I am also with you tonight, because I do not want the agreement signed by the UN to be misused by the Iraqi government as yet another instrument of repression of Ashraf, as a justification for forced displacement. For this, history will never forgive us. So if I'm here tonight to say that if we, collectively, want to avoid such a disaster, it is necessary that the international community made it clear to the authorities in Baghdad to make them understand that we cannot ignore the minimum security required by these refugees. The Iraqi government must understand that, by imposing draconian restrictions on Ashraf residents, it takes personal responsibility in derailing the agreement and will be in international pariah.

Ashraf residents have suffered too much, they have made enormous concessions. We say firmly: that is enough. In the 21st century, we cannot accept to see so much injustice. So if I'm here tonight with you is to help open the eyes of the world on all these risks, and I thank the journalists who came because they were much more numerous at the beginning of this fight.

Finally, I would say the time has come to say four things:

- First, that the United Nations and Special Representative, as he is engaged in his letter to the residents of Ashraf, will do everything to ensure the safety and welfare of the residents. It goes without saying that the UN could support a plan that does not take into account the basic rights of these refugees.

- Second, it is with the guarantees of the United States, and I am very happy to find here the Governor Dean and Patrick Kennedy. But with the guarantees of the European Union and the United Nations, that the residents of Ashraf agreed the move to Camp Liberty. They accepted the move. This is because they had faith So we are all responsible for ensuring their safety and their situation during transfer to the camp Liberty. There is no question of condoning leaving for a camp turned into a kind of prison.

- Third, we must recognize the right of refugees to have their private space and to avoid interference and police actions, and harassment in their everyday life, especially in the new camp. The area must be at least five square kilometers for it to be respected.

- Fourth, there must be no interference with their right to property. They have the right to transfer their vehicles, their assets to Camp Liberty. That is what we are asking tonight.

So yes, I am more than ever on the side of brave heroes in Ashraf who have suffered so much in the quest for democracy, in the pursuit of liberty and pursuit of peace. You have suffered too much, you were doubly persecuted in your country and in exile, and you have been so maligned in your courageous fight. Know that we are here today to put an end to your suffering and support your legitimate demands. I say this to Secretary General of the United Nations in whom I have great confidence.

Now, the UN has a great responsibility too. Do not doubt our determination. Tonight, the Iraqi government must understand that there is an end to its excessive demands and illegitimate actions.

Dear Mrs. Rajavi, we are at your side, we stand with these women, these children of those men who suffer. I want to tell them they are not alone. And those who terrorize them let them know that we will not let go.

http://www.ncr-iran.org/en/news/ashraf/11609-philippe-douste-blazy-camp-ashraf-residents-doubly-persecuted-in-iran-and-in-exile

Camp Ashraf: Iraqi forces prevent transfer of critically ill residents to hospital

Camp Ashraf- breach of commitments, No. 10

NCRI - Upon the order of the Iraqi committee tasked with suppression of residents of Camp Ashraf, Iraqi forces on Monday prevented the transfer of eight critically ill residents who are in urgent need of surgery and medical treatment to be transferred to the hospital in city of Baqoba.

Iraqi physicians had prescribed the transfer of the patients to the Baquba and Baghdad hospitals for medical treatments, examinations and surgical operations. Four of the patients are in critical condition and any delay in their treatment would endanger their lives.

Since three month ago, Iraqi forces have limited the transfer ill residents to one patient a week. Aslo, since November 1, 201, the Iraqi forces have canceled the medical appointments for 51 patients.

The limitations are enforced as more than 100 residents are suffering fromr kidney, heart, internal, nerve, eye, thyroids, ear, throat and orthopedic diseases and a number of them are in critical condition
The patients have been waiting for few months to receive the prearranged medical treatments in Baquba and Baghdad hospitals, but Iraqi forces have prevented them from receiving the medical services.

Due to the medical siege imposed on Camp Ashraf, during the past year 12 wounded and ill residents have lost their lives.

Secretariat of the National Council of Resistance of Iran
January 11, 2012

http://www.ncr-iran.org/en/news/ashraf/11612-camp-ashraf-iraqi-forces-prevent-transfer-of-critically-ill-residents-to-hospital-

Iraqi forces wage a new psychological warfare against Camp Ashraf residents

Ashraf – Breach of Obligations – N° 6

Reconnaissance by Iranian intelligence agents in various parts of the camp

NCRI - On Wednesday (4 January) at 11:30 pm, Captain Ahmad Khozeir engaged in threatening the lives of the residents of Camp Ashraf. He then directed six armored Humvee vehicles to enter the southern part of the camp to create an atmosphere of fear and intimidate the residents.

Simultaneously at Laleh Square, Ashraf’s main street which is occupied by the Iraqi forces, Iraq’s rapid deployment forces using their sirens for over an hour deprived the residents of their sleep waging a new psychological war against the residents. Agents of the Iranian Ministry of Intelligence and Security (MOIS), with the full support of the Iraqi forces, have engaged in reconnaissance by photographing and filming different parts of the camp setting the stage for future terrorist acts. Frequent complaints by the residents to the Iraqi officers at the scene have been futile (photos attached).

Following reconnaissance operations conducted by the agents of the clerical regime assisted by Iraqi forces, on December 27, 28 and 29 Katyusha rockets were fired at the residence quarters of the camp. In another development on Wednesday the Iraqi forces looted the buildings which were occupied during the April 8 attack in the northern section of the camp.

These acts are in clear violation of the assurances given to the United Nations by the Iraqi government concerning the residents.

Secretariat of the national Council of Resistance of Iran
January 4 2012

Patrik Kennedy: If you care about the security of the United States, which you’re sworn to uphold, then take this sham of this terrorist listing and t

NCRI - In an international conference held in Paris on Friday, January 6, at the invitation of the CFID (French Committee for Democracy and Human Rights in Iran), dozens of distinguished American and European dignitaries warned of obstructions and non-cooperation by the Iranian regime and Government of Iraq in guaranteeing a peaceful solution for Camp Ashraf, where members of the Iranian opposition reside in Iraq.

The conference speakers were Maryam Rajavi, President-elect of the Iranian Resistance; Gov. Howard Dean, former Governor Vermont, Chair of the Democratic National Committee (2005-2009) and US presidential candidate (2004); Gov. Tom Ridge, former Governor of Pennsylvania and the first US Homeland Security Secretary (2003-2005); Louis Freeh, Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (1993-2001); Gov. Ed Rendell, Chair of the Democratic National Committee (1999-2001) and Governor of Pennsylvania (2002-2011); Judge Michael Mukasey, US Attorney General in the Bush Administration (2007-2009); Ambassador Mitchell Reiss, former Director of Policy Planning at the US Department of State; General James Conway, Commandant of the US Marine Corps (2006-2010); Rep. Patrick Kennedy, Member of US House of Representatives (1995-2011); Gen. Chuck Wald, former Deputy Commander of US European Command; Gen. David Phillips, Commander of U.S. Military Police (2008-2011); Prof. Alan Dershowitz, one of the most prominent advocates of individual rights and the most well-known lawyer in criminal cases in the world; Ambassador Dell Dailey, Head of the State Department's counterterrorism office (2007-09); Col. Wesley Martin, former Senior Anti-terrorism Force Protection Officer for all Coalition Forces in Iraq and Commander of Forward Operation Base in Ashraf; Prof. Ruth Wedgwood, Chair of International Law and Diplomacy at Johns Hopkins University; Philippe Douste-Blazy, Former French Foreign Minister and to the UN Secretary General; Alain Vivien, former French Minister of State for European Affairs; Rita Süssmuth, former President of German Bundestag; Günter Verheugen, European Commissioner (1999-2010) and former Advisory Minister in German Foreign Ministry; and Sen. Lucio Malan, Member of Italian Senate.

Below is speech by Hon. Patrik Kennedy:

Thank you. Thank you very much. Thank you. Thank you. I salute you. I want to salute you. And I want to salute your family members in Camp Ashraf because they’re putting their lives on the line for another set of hostages, for another people that are prisoners and that’s their compatriots in Iran who are prisoners to the Mullah’s theocracy and brutal dictatorship in Tehran.

Let there be no mistake about it that the fight for Camp Ashraf is a fight to free Iran from this tyrannical regime. We need to have relocation, not only of the residents of Camp Ashraf, but relocation of the Mullahs in Tehran.

Let’s be honest and now I want to speak to my friends in the United States. Let’s understand what this terrorist listing means. For all of you, you know what it means. It’s an execution order for your family members. But it is also a mortal threat to the national security of the United States of America. After 9/11, no American can stand by while we honor false and hypocritical and political lists like this. We cannot afford, as the United States, to play games, to play political games with national security. So I say to the State Department, I say to my colleagues in Congress, former colleagues in Congress, understand this: if you care about the security of the United States, which you’re sworn to uphold, then take this sham of a list and tear it up.

And I want to have actions because I agree with my colleagues on the stage that words are not enough. Do you realize right now that there are 13 billion dollars in American military sales that are going to Iraq? Do you want to get the attention of the American public? Do you want to get the attention of the Congress and the President of the United States? Then introduce a resolution in Congress that says that the moment there is a violation of international law and a crime against humanity by using the training and weapons provided by the United States of America, we are going to suspend any future military sales to the people of Iraq. You want to get the attention of the American public? That’s what you do.

Finally, let me just say, as Madame Rajavi so eloquently said, everyone here is part of the answer. Each of you has a responsibility. All people of goodwill have a responsibility to do the right thing. And when my uncle Robert Kennedy spoke in Cape Town, South Africa in 1966 when no one ever thought they’d see the end of an apartheid because it took another generation before apartheid ended, he said, “Each time a person stands up against injustice or acts to improve the lot of others, they send forth a tiny ripple of hope.” And coming from the million different centers of energy and daring, those ripples can create a current that can knock down the mightiest walls of oppression and resistance. Each of us, each one of us has an opportunity to make a difference and in the totality of all these acts will be written the history of this cause when we are able to see the peaceful relocation of your friends and family members and of human beings who are disarmed and all that they want is freedom and all they want is to be with their families. And if you stick to this, I’m confident that we’ll ultimately see the day where they will truly be free. Thank you very much.

http://www.ncr-iran.org/en/news/ashraf/11608-patrik-kennedy-if-you-care-about-the-security-of-the-united-states-which-youre-sworn-to-uphold-then-take-this-sham-of-this-terrorist-listing-and-tear-it-up-

Another Absurd Masquerade at Camp Ashraf Entrance Staged by Quds force Terrorists and MOIS Agents

Camp Ashraf military occupation- No. 190

NCRI - On Tuesday 27 December, a number of Quds terrorists and affiliates of the mullahs’ regime ministry of intelligence staged a gathering at the front entrance of Ashraf. The gathering was setup under orders of the Iranian Embassy and in coordination with Ashraf Suppression Committee in Iraq. The individuals had been present at the entrance for 10 days staying in a building complex called Moein. They were transfered to the main entrance by Iraqi forces in groups starting 9 am.

A number of reporters representing media affiliated to the Iranian regime were brought to this stage-managed gathering. Reporters were there to give coverage to this event as gathering of families who want to see their relatives in Ashraf.

Reporters were taking photos and films from the participants, who were agents of the regime and terrorist Qods force, while they were threatening and intimidating the residents with their loudspeakers. The Iranian regime’s media reporters were also seen conducting interviews with the participants in the gathering complaining that they were prevented from seeing their relatives in Ashraf.

On Sunday night 25 December, Quds force terrorists attacked Ashraf with rockets. The rockets landed near buildings, some of which are occupied by women.

Building new fortifications that started last week still continue. To do this the units receive help from 5th Division of Iraqi army engineering and their heavy machinery.

Staging such masquerades and also building fortifications around the camp is part of preparations to attack the defenseless residents at the end of the year.

Secretariat of the National Council of Resistance of Iran
December 27, 2011

http://www.ncr-iran.org/en/news/ashraf/11571-another-absurd-masquerade-at-camp-ashraf-entrance-staged-by-quds-force-terrorists-and-mois-agents

Hillary Clinton: Situation at Camp Ashraf

Press Statement
Hillary Rodham Clinton Secretary of State
Washington, DC December 25, 2011

Situation at Ashraf

Today, the United Nations and the Government of Iraq signed an important agreement on the temporary relocation and eventual resettlement of the more than 3,000 residents of Camp Ashraf in Iraq. We commend the Government of Iraq for its work with United Nations Special Representative Ambassador Martin Kobler, and welcome this important step toward a humane resolution to the ongoing situation at Ashraf. The UN effort has our full support.

The signing of this Memorandum of Understanding represents significant progress on this issue and outlines steps necessary to achieve a peaceful and viable solution for the residents of Ashraf, including their temporary relocation to Camp Liberty, a former U.S. military base near the Baghdad International Airport. At this new location, the UN High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) will be able to conduct refugee status determinations for the residents of Ashraf -- a necessary first step toward resettlement to third countries.

We are encouraged by the Iraqi government’s willingness to commit to this plan, and expect it to fulfill all its responsibilities, especially the elements of the MOU that provide for the safety and security of Ashraf’s residents. We welcome the agreement by the Government of Iraq to allow the United Nations to station monitors at this new location around the clock and to observe the move from Ashraf to this new location. In addition, officials from U.S. Embassy Baghdad will visit regularly and frequently. We also welcome the Iraqi government’s willingness to delay the final closure of Camp Ashraf to give this plan time for implementation.

To be successful, this resettlement must also have the full support of the Camp’s residents, and we urge them to work with the UN to implement this relocation. All those who want to see the people at Camp Ashraf safe and secure should work together to see that the agreed upon plan is carried out.

400 Camp Ashraf Residents Declare Readiness To Move To Camp Liberty

News Blaze - By Shahriar Kia January 04, 2012
Residents of camp Ashraf, in Iraq, said they were ready for relocation of the first group on December 30. They are moving from Camp Ashraf, to Camp Liberty with their vehicles and moveable belongings.

The UN Secretary General's Special Representative and the U.S. Embassy representative have been informed of their readiness.

In a meeting with the Special Representative of the Secretary General (SRSG) of the UN for Iraq, and representatives of the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad, United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, and UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, the representatives of Camp Ashraf residents declared that upon a request by Mrs. Maryam Rajavi, President-elect of the Iranian Resistance, 400 of Camp Ashraf residents were ready to move to Camp Liberty on December 30 with their vehicles and movable belongings including kitchen, bakery, heating, cooling facilities, etc.

The representatives of Ashraf residents stipulated that as it was declared by Mrs. Rajavi on Dec 28, the transfer will take place based on the December 25 statement of Secretary Clinton, the December 26 statement of UN Secretary General and the December 28 letter of SRSG.

As she had stated, regrettably, the Government of Iraq (GOI) did not agree with her participation or the residents' representatives and not even their lawyers in the negotiations between the GOI and the UN. The SRSG, as he had stated, was only acting as a "facilitator," and he referred the decision on minimum assurances for safety and security for the transfer of all the residents to Camp Liberty to future talks.

The representatives of the camp informed the SRSG and the US representatives of information about a planned fourth rocket attack on Camp Ashraf to induce a forcible displacement of the residents. These attacks are contrary to a peaceful solution and are in clear violation of statements by Secretary Clinton, Secretary General Ban Ki-moon, EU High Representative Catherine Ashton and letter of SRSG to the camp residents.

Mr. Mohammad Mohaddessin, representative of Ashraf residents outside Iraq, drew the attention of the U.S., UN and EU officials to the readiness of 400 Ashraf residents to be relocated to Camp Liberty on December 30 and said: "It should be clear to the international community that from this time on, the GOI would be responsible for any delay, obstruction and prevention in transfer of these 400 Ashraf residents with their vehicles and moveable properties. The relocation of the first group of residents to Camp Liberty and the way they are treated would be a test for relocation of other groups within the extended deadline. The Prime Minister of Iraq stated on December 21 that he has extended the deadline for six months upon the request of the UN Secretary General."

The Iranian Resistance urges the UN Secretary General, the Special Representative of the UN Secretary General, Ambassador Dan Fried, the special advisor to the U.S. Secretary of State on Ashraf, and the U.S. Ambassador in Iraq, to obtain the agreement of the Government of Iraq with the minimum assurances for the relocation of other Ashraf residents to Camp Liberty.

Shahriar Kia is the Spokesman for Ashraf residents, in Camp Ashraf - Iraq, and this story was released by the Secretariat of the National Council of Resistance of Iran.

http://www.ncr-iran.org/en/news/ashraf/11597-400-camp-ashraf-residents-declare-readiness-to-move-to-camp-liberty