DEMARCHE TO GOI ON MEK/CAMP ASHRAF

S E C R E T SECTION 01 OF 02 STATE 026167 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 03/15/2019 TAGS: IR IZ PHUM PTER PINR SUBJECT: DEMARCHE TO GOI ON MEK/CAMP ASHRAF REF: BAGHDAD 730 Classified By: DAS RICHARD SCHMIERER FOR REASON 1.4 B AND D ¶1. (S) Department concurs with post's assessment of the situation at Camp Ashraf and the need to approach the GOI regarding its handling of that situation (reftel). Embassy is instructed to convey a demarche to the Government of Iraq at the highest appropriate level regarding the treatment of the residents of Camp Ashraf, reminding the GOI of the assurances it has given to protect and treat humanely the residents of Camp Ashraf. Suggested Talking Points follow in paragraph 3. Background -------------- ¶2. (S) The GOI is expressing increasing frustration with the Mujahedin e-Khalq (MEK) residents of Camp Ashraf. In response to GOI assertions that the MEK are "breaking the rules," more stringent controls have been placed on personnel and goods coming into the camp, but a blockade is not in place. Embassy and Multi-National Force-Iraq (MNF-I) personnel continue to monitor the humanitarian conditions at Camp Ashraf to ensure that the GOI adheres to its assurances of humane treatment. The GOI has issued threats to serve warrants on MEK leaders and to arrest protesters in the camp, but no one has been arrested or harmed thus far. National Security Advisor Mowaffaq al-Rubaie clarified in a written private communication to Embassy Baghdad that the GOI is solely responsible for the security of the camp and its residents, will abide by its humane treatment assurances, will assume control of property and real estate in the camp in order to perform its security and administrative duties, and will serve outstanding warrants in a manner that minimizes the potential for escalation of violence. The communication stated that U.S. forces should not come between Iraqi forces and the MEK while Iraqi forces carry out their duties. In public, unfortunately, Rubaie has done nothing to calm international media attention on this issue, stating on March 16 that the GOI has a "right to every sovereign inch of Iraqi territory." Demarche Talking Points -------------- ¶3. (S/REL IZ) We understand the complexity of the issue of the 3,400 Iranian and other non-Iraqi residents of Camp Ashraf for the Government of Iraq. This humanitarian issue is something your Government did not create but inherited. We also recognize the pressures you face because of the presence of this organization on your territory. -- Nevertheless, as your government has stated, this sensitive issue requires careful handling. For this reason your government provided assurances to the U.S. that the Iraqi Government would treat the residents at Camp Ashraf humanely in accordance with the Constitution of Iraq, local laws and Iraq's international obligations. The GOI also committed not to transfer against their will any of the residents of Camp Ashraf to any other country for fear of being subjected to oppression because of their political views or religious beliefs. Further, the Government of Iraq also stated that it would also not expel, extradite or forcibly hand over any of the residents in Camp Ashraf to any other country in which there are grounds to believe that any of them would be subject to torture or oppression. -- We support the GOI in enforcing Iraqi law within Iraqi sovereign territory and acknowledge that the camp's future is solely the responsibility of the GOI. However, the specific nature of the situation at Camp Ashraf, the international attention to the issue, and the humanitarian concerns require a careful approach. -- We believe this issue will take time to resolve as you pursue your policy of finding countries to accept Camp Ashraf residents, while not forcibly returning them to any country or territory against their will where they may face persecution or torture. -- Both of our governments will face criticism if this issue is mis-handled. Given the nature of the organization and its history, mis-steps in managing the camp will likely result in humanitarian issues, will raise questions about the commitment of the GOI to the assurances it provided and make it less likely that other countries will agree to accept the Camp Ashraf residents. STATE 00026167 002 OF 002 -- We request that you make every effort to handle this situation in a measured and calm manner and that you do everything possible to include the media and international organizations in efforts to show what is really happening on the ground, not what is reported overseas. ¶4. (U) Department would appreciate Embassy's expeditious action on this matter and reporting on the GOI's response. CLINTON