MINISTER OF INTERIOR REITERATES GOI ASSURANCES

S E C R E T BAGHDAD 003285 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 10/10/2018 TAGS: PTER PHUM PINR IZ IR SUBJECT: MINISTER OF INTERIOR REITERATES GOI ASSURANCES REGARDING MEK RESIDENTS AT CAMP ASHRAF REF: BAGHDAD 2658 Classified By: Political Military Minister Counselor Michael C. Corbin for reasons 1.4 (b) and (d) ¶1. (S) SUMMARY. Minister of Interior al-Bulani reiterated October 6 the importance placed on security and humanitarian assurances for the Mujahedin e-Khalq (MEK) residents at Camp Ashraf. The Minister noted that the GOI would deal with the residents in accordance with international human rights standards and looked forward to cooperating with the USG during the transfer of security responsibility for the camp. He said that he was chairing the inter-ministerial committee designated to ensure a coordinated GOI policy on Camp Ashraf. END SUMMARY. ¶2. (S) During a meeting with PolMilCouns October 6, Iraqi Minister of Interior Jawad al-Bulani reiterated and emphasized the importance of humanitarian and security assurances for the MEK residents of Camp Ashraf agreed to between the GOI and the USG (reftel). The Minister noted that the GOI believes that there are some cases regarding the MEK that do not look "normal," but in any case, the Minister said that many claims against the MEK were likely "exaggerated." ¶3. (S) Minister al-Bulani emphasized the importance of the involvement of International Organizations (IOs),such as the UN, and other neutral parties in the MEK problem. He believed their involvement will help to calm some of the "extremists" in the organization and will ease anxiety during the security transition of Camp Ashraf. ¶4. (S) Minister al-Bulani also stated that he looked forward to working cooperatively with the USG during the transition of security responsibility for the camp and foresaw no complications. The Minister noted that he was the Chair of an inter-ministerial committee, that included representation by the Ministry of Justice, Ministry of Human Rights, and Ministry of Foreign Affairs, dealing with the Camp Ashraf residents. A technical sub-committee had also been formed to deal specifically with security concerns for the transfer. ¶5. (S) COMMENT. Minister al-Bulani appeared sincere in his appreciation for the assurances the GOI had committed to the MEK residents at Camp Ashraf, as well as for the political fallout that could occur internationally should the assurances not be met by the GOI. His emphasis during several points of the conversation on the participation of IOs in the process supports this appreciation. CROCKER