The ‘Azzaman International’ daily in an article entitled “Iraq’s guest under international protection” wrote: “The Ashraf residents are our friends and symbols of a free and democratic Iran, our Moslem neighbor. The real children of Iran are those who seek Iran’s liberation from the reactionary bands that have taken the Iranian people captive.”

The article added: “The most beautiful picture that can be presented from Ashraf is the declaration signed by three million Iraqi Shiites who asked for expulsion of criminal agents of the regime ruling Tehran; this is the real picture of arrogant people of Iraq who refuse to be dominated by the Iranian regime, and are away from sectarianism.

“Ashraf residents are regarded protected based on the International Law and conventions, and the Fourth Geneva Convention applies to them; more important is that the Iraqi people and their representatives, the nationalist and tribal forces host and protect Ashraf residents; but the question is why there is such a concentration on Ashraf? The answer could be found in the call by the Grand Sheikh of Al-Azhar regarding necessity of giving rights of the protected persons to them. He knows well those who want to trample the rights of protected people.