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Written question asked by David Drew (Labour) on Tuesday, 10 February 2009, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 12 February 2009. It was answered by Bill Rammell (Labour) on Friday, 27 February 2009 on behalf of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.


Iraq: Mujahedin-e Khalq

Question
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will ask the government of Iraq to remove all restrictions on supporters of the People's Mujahedin of Iran based in Ashraf City following the recent judgment of the European Court of Justice.
Answer

On 26 January 2009, taking into account the judgment by the Court of First Instance on 4 December 2008, the General Affairs and External Relations Council adopted a list which did not include the People's Mujahedin Organisation of Iran (MEK/PMOI). Mindful of this 4 December judgement annulling the July 2008 listing of the MEK/PMOI, the UK believes that EU member states must observe and respect the court's judgment in the current review of the EU list of terrorist organisations.Residents of the camp are free to leave at any time if they demonstrate they have the appropriate travel documentation and finance to leave the camp and take up residence either in Iran or in a third country. Voluntary repatriations to Iran have previously taken place and, we understand, without the returnees concerned being ill treated. Such reparations will continue for those who wish to do this. There is no evidence to suggest forced relocation of the residents in Iraq or elsewhere will take place.The US received assurances from the Iraqi authorities which make clear their 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 have 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 are observed and that camp residents continue to be treated humanely and their fundamental human rights be maintained.


Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
488 c1202W; 257284
Session
2008-09
Subjects
Iraq Iran
Link
View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk