In an interview with the Jordanian daily Al Arab Al Yawm, Iraqi Vice President Dr. Tareq Al-Hashemi described the removal of the People’s Mojahedin Organization of Iran from the US terrorist list as a correct step in the right direction.
“Now, the US government must consider designating Iraqi parties and influential elements in the Iraqi government, and the US has enough evidence and documents to make such a decision,” Al-Hashemi said.
In response to a question regarding the reasons behind Iraqi government’s inhumane measures against Ashraf and Liberty residents, the Iraqi Vice President said, “We must not expect any position in line with the Universal Declaration of Human Rights from the Maliki government, or respecting the Geneva Conventions, because Maliki’s position on this organization is a copy of the Iranian regime’s position. Therefore, it is necessary for the international community to take action and provide protection for these guests of Iraq, and prevent any action by Maliki’s government similar to what took place in Camp Ashraf. In this regard, Camp Liberty has been designed to be a prison for the residents. As a result it lacks the most basic conditions and residential needs. Therefore, it is necessary for this camp to be recognized as a refugee camp according to international conventions.”
Al Arab Al Yawm wrote, “Dr. Tareq Al-Hashemi in this interview sounded the alarm of the consequences of Maliki’s individualist-style and dictatorial rule, and eliminating his rivals by relying on the Iranian regime and taking advantage of US’ inaction. Al-Hashemi also warned of the consequences of Iran’s role in Iraq and its coordination with Maliki to provide support for Bashar Assad.”