HR 195: Letter to the Chairman from the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs: Camp Ashraf, Iraq

Thank you for your letter of 17 August about the situation at Camp Ashraf in Iraq.

 

On 28 July the Iraqi Police Service moved into Camp Ashraf to establish a police station following a meeting between the Iraqi Police Commander and the MEK leadership. We understand from our US colleagues at the Camp that the MEK erected barricades and resisted the Iraqi Police's entry into the compound. A violent confrontation followed and we have received reports of eleven deaths and a number of injuries. The US provided medical care to many of those injured. We also understand that 36 people were arrested and are being processed accordingly through the Iraqi judicial system. The UN has confirmed that those arrested are being detained in accordance with acceptable local conditions.

 

We are informed by US and UN contacts that the Government of Iraq is observing human rights standards and that deliveries of food, water and medical supplies are being allowed to enter the camp unimpeded.

 

Since the US handed responsibility for the Camp to the Iraqi authorities on 1 January 2009, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has continued to discuss, on a confidential basis, all of the issues surrounding the camp with Ashraf residents' representatives and the Iraqi and US authorities. Before the handover took place, the US received assurances from the Government of Iraq outlining its commitment to the humane treatment and continued wellbeing of the camp residents. In this regard, we understand that the United States is satisfied that the Iraqi authorities are fully aware of their responsibilities with regard to Camp Ashraf and its residents. In addition the UN Assistance Mission in Iraq (UNAMI) follow developments at the camp closely and have visited the camp since the initial confrontation.

 

The Iraqi Government has given assurances that no Ashraf residents will be forcibly transferred to a country where they have reason to fear persecution, or where substantial grounds exist to believe they would be tortured.

 

We understand that there have been no further reports of violence at the camp since the confrontation on 28 July. The British Ambassador in Iraq is writing to the Iraqi authorities to ask for a review into the recent events at the camp. The US has also requested that the Government of Iraq carry out an investigation. Officials in the British Embassy in Baghdad are continuing to follow developments, and will shortly undertake a further visit to the camp to clarify our understanding of the situation.

 

6 September 2009