We, the undersigned strongly condemn any involvement of the Iranian regime in the dossier on Ashraf by the UNAMI.
We are shocked to learn of the comments made by Mr Martin Kobler, the Special Representative of UNAMI on his trip to Tehran, when he praised the Iranian regime’s role in “strengthening the political process and stability and security in Iraq and the region”; called for “the continued cooperation and exchange of ideas and providing solutions for specific issues”; found “the regime’s views for implementation of the UN mandate very effective” and praised “the support” of Iran “in order to further strengthen the political, social and economic situation in Iraq” (Iranian News Agency 7 May 20 12).
The trip of Mr Martin Kobler to Tehran comes as a surprise when the Iranian regime has denied access for a trip by Ahmed Shaheed, Special Rapporteur on the Situation of Human Rights in Iran to the country. The name of the UNAMI and its Special Representative in Iraq should not be misused by a regime that has so far been condemned 58 times by the UN General Assembly and UN’s other bodies for appalling violation of fundamental human rights. Last year, the UN General Assembly condemned the terrible violation of human rights in Iran in an unprecedented way.
Prior to this trip, Qasem Soleimani, commander of the terrorist Qods Force, said: “Mr. Martin Kobler, United Nations Secretary General’s representative in Iraq, had detailed discussions with the Iraqi and Iranian sides; he has had discussions either through the Iranian Embassy or other communication channels, in order to provide needed requirements for the MOU that has been signed between him and Iraq to close Camp Ashraf and end the presence of the organization on Iraqi soil this year. What has been discussed was Iran’s role in doing what it should do to solve this problem” (AI-Iraqiya state television, April 24).
The Iranian regime with a terrible record of human rights, and the execution of 120,000 political opponents including pregnant women and children and its determination to annihilate its main opposition symbolized in Ashraf residents, is in no position to be involved in any dialogue over the dossier on Ashraf. This is a violation of MOU and various UN laws and mandates. Any involvement of this regime in this dossier means playing a role in further bloodshed of Ashraf residents and innocent families in Iran.
Most Rev’d Alan Harper, Archbishop of Ireland
Most Rev’d Dr. Barry Morgan, Archbishop of Wales
Bishop John Evans, Bishop of St. David
Bishop Lee Rey Field, Bishop of Swindon
Bishop John Prichard, Bishop of Oxford
Bishop Stephen Conway, Bishop of Eli
Bishop Mike Hill, Bishop of Bristol
Bishop Stephen Platen, Bishop of Wakefield
Bishop Michel Langrish, Bishop of Exeter
Bishop Alan Clayton Smith, Bishop of St. Albans
Bishop Dr. Timothy Alice, Bishop of Grantham
Bishop Andrew John< Bishop of Bangor
Bishop Christopher Hill, Bishop of Gilford
Reverend Mark Oakley, minister of St. Paul Church
Reverend Ingrid Monroe, Darby Church