Press Release

The Islamic-Arabic Committee in Defense of Ashraf condemns the continuous repression and siege on Ashraf by the Iraqi government, and the implementation of notorious plans against the defenseless residents. This committee welcomes the European initiative for a peaceful and lasting solution for this issue.
This committee also values the role representatives of Europe’s nations have assumed to resolve this complex humanitarian issue, announcing its readiness to actively take part in accomplishing this initiative.
This initiative, with its humanitarian conditions regarding providing temporary protection for Ashraf residents, retreat of the aggressive Iraqi forces from Ashraf; lifting the ban on entry of lawyers, journalists, residents’ family members and doctors to the camp; lifting the restrictions imposed against the residents and putting an end to the harassment inflicted by the Iraqi forces and operatives of Iran’s intelligence and the terrorist Quds Force; and providing examination and medical services to those residents wounded during the brutal April 8th attack against the camp.
This committee expresses its gratitude for the stance announced by EU High Representative in Foreign Affairs Lady Catherine Ashton on Wednesday, May 11th, on supporting the European Parliament suggestion regarding the case of Ashraf and her emphasis on the UN’s directing role in this regard. Furthermore, this committee calls on all relevant parties either in the European Union, the UN, US, the Iraqi government, the NCRI, the PMOI and international organizations to support this suggestion and progress under the supervision of the UN to prevent further bloodshed and guarantee the humanitarian rights of these defenseless civilians based on international standards.

Sid Ahmed Ghozali
Former Algerian Prime Minister
Chairman, Islamic-Arabic Committee in Defense of Ashraf