Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
08BAGHDAD3285
2008-10-11 11:03:00
SECRET
Embassy Baghdad
Cable title:  

MINISTER OF INTERIOR REITERATES GOI ASSURANCES

Tags:  PTER PHUM PINR IZ IR 
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VZCZCXRO4177
PP RUEHBC RUEHDE RUEHDIR RUEHIHL RUEHKUK
DE RUEHGB #3285 2851103
ZNY SSSSS ZZH
P 111103Z OCT 08
FM AMEMBASSY BAGHDAD
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC PRIORITY 9898
INFO RUCNIRA/IRAN COLLECTIVE PRIORITY
RUCNRAQ/IRAQ COLLECTIVE PRIORITY
RHMFISS/HQ USCENTCOM MACDILL AFB FL PRIORITY
RUEKJCS/SECDEF WASHINGTON DC PRIORITY
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)

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