MEK - FINDING A HOME AND RESTRICTING THEIR

C O N F I D E N T I A L BAGHDAD 002073

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: DECL: 06/23/2017
TAGS: IZ MCAP MOPS PGOV PINS PNAT PTER
SUBJECT: MEK - FINDING A HOME AND RESTRICTING THEIR
ACTIVITIES

Classified By: Deputy Chief of Mission Daniel Speckhard for reasons 1.4
(b) and (d).


1. SUMMARY (C/REL MNF-I) On June 22, Prime Minister Maliki's
political advisor, Sadik al-Rikabi, told the Deputy Chief of
Mission that the Government of Iraq (GOI) is committed to
finding third-country residences for the Mujahedin-e Khalq
(MeK) population residing in Camp Ashraf. He said that
while this mission is being carried out, the Prime Minister
wants Iraqi forces to secure the camp in order to restrict
MeK movement and their political and military activities.
The DCM expressed his regret for the recent public conference
that the MeK held at Ashraf. The DCM also conveyed that the
Ambassador is working with the Coalition and Washington to
find a solution to the overall MeK problem in Iraq. The DCM
requested the GOI's patience, stressing that any plan
developed to dissolve the MeK camp must address a number of
humanitarian and security concerns. END SUMMARY.

The MeK Must Go
--------------


2. (C/REL MNF-I) Rikabi said Maliki is frustrated with the
overall MeK situation and is committed to finding a home
outside of Iraq for all MeK members and defectors. Rikabi
said he understood that the process will take time and that
Iraq will be responsible for providing the protection of the
MeK before this can occur. He also emphasized that view of
the GOI that the MeK should not remain in Iraq long term --
they are enemies of Iraq and Iran. The DCM said the
Ambassador agrees that the MeK situation is unsustainable and
is working with the Coalition and Washington to find a
solution. The DCM stressed that dissolving the camp would
take time because any plan developed must be consistent with
international law.

The MeK Needs to Be Controlled
--------------


3. (C/REL MNF-I) According to Rikabi, Maliki is frustrated
with the current security of the MeK camp and wants an
immediate change in policy. At this time, he said, the MeK
-- a terrorist organization -- is allowed to hold public
conferences, move freely outside the camp, interfere in GOI
politics, supporting GOI enemies, and causing trouble for
Iran. Maliki does not want these activities to continue
while the GOI is finding suitable homes for the MeK outside
of Iraq. The DCM expressed his regret for the public
conference held by the MeK during the previous week. He said
the Ambassador was very troubled because he had been under
the impression that the conference would not be allowed to
take place per the GOI's request.

The PM Solution to Control the MeK is ISF to the Camp
-------------- --------------


4. (C/REL MNF-I) Rikabi reported that Maliki wants Iraqi
security forces to secure the camp since Iraq is the host
country, and the Coalition's security policy seems too
"liberal." The DCM questioned whether the GOI had the
necessary forces for such a job given the current tempo of
operations in Diyala, Basra, Baghdad, and elsewhere. Rikabi
said Maliki believes he has the required forces to work in
coordination with the Coalition. The DCM said the Embassy
would continue to review options addressing the MeK problem
as expeditiously as possible.


5. (C/REL MNF-I) Comment: In a more confidential moment,
Rikabi admitted to the DCM that it would take time to solve
the MeK problem. Rikabi said that the PM's immediate focus
was on not allowing the MeK to use Ashraf as a base for
political activities in Iraq and Iran. End Comment.

CROCKER