Written question asked by David Amess (Conservative) on Monday, 9 February 2009, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 11 February 2009. It was answered by Bill Rammell (Labour) on Friday, 27 February 2009 on behalf of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

Iraq: Iran

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps he (a) has taken and (b) plans to take at the United Nations in response to the Iraqi National Security Adviser, Muwafaq al- Rubaie's statement on 24 January 2009 that the government of Iraq intends to hand over to the Iranian government members of the People's Mujahedin of Iran; and if he will make a statement.

Answer: I should clarify that it was the US, not the UK, who had responsibility for the security and administration of the camp. The US informed us of its plans to hand responsibility for the camp to the Iraqi authorities from 1 January 2009, this has now taken place.I should further clarify that the Iraqi government has not made any announcement stating they intend to forcibly hand over residents of Camp Ashraf to the Iranian government. National Security Adviser Al-Rubaie stated during his visit to Iran that "we have told the members of PMOI in Camp Ashraf that they have two options. Either they return home or choose a third country".Prior to the handover, the US received assurances making clear the Iraqi authorities commitment to the humane treatment and continued wellbeing of the camp residents. We understand that in addition to this, the Iraqi Ministry of Human Rights has also visited the camp and delivered these assurances to a representative body of the residents. We are naturally concerned that the rights of all those involved in the process are observed and that they continue to be treated humanely and their fundamental human rights be maintained.Voluntary repatriations to Iran of those residents who wish to return will continue. But there is no evidence to suggest forced relocation of the residents in Iraq or elsewhere will take place.

Secondary information