A number of Iraqi tribal councils and sheikhs and non-governmental organizations condemned Ashraf siege and asked for immediate intervention of the US government to ensure Ashraf residents’ rights and to prevent a humanitarian catastrophe.
These organizations are:
· Sheikh Mozher Eid, General sheikh of Al-Massoudi Tribe in Diyala
· Association of Iraqi Independent Nationalist and Democratic Tribes
· Intifadieh Movement of Shaabania, Karbala Branch
· Association of Husseini missions in Karbala
· Secretary General of Iraqi Independent Turkmen Association
· Iraqi trustees and Scholars
· Iraqi Party of Democracy and Freedom
· Association of vanguard Intellectuals in Diyala Province
Their letters to the U.S. Ambassador to Iraq read: “We got concerned by hearing the shocking news about the Ashraf siege by Iraqi police. Intensification of pressures on Ashraf residents indicates that the orders of the suppressive and terrorist regime ruling Iran are pursued. These measures emerge at the time that the Iraqi Army has searched the camp completely, and all residents have been interviewed by the Iraqi government’s representatives; but unfortunately, the Iraqi government not only has not acknowledged their rights, but has also sent the police force to the camp’s entrance to tighten Ashraf siege.
The European Parliament adopted a resolution on April 24, 2009 and urged the Iraqi government to recognize Ashraf residents’ rights, but unfortunately the Iraqi government has not implemented its demand.
We warn of a looming humanitarian catastrophe and ask international organs, particularly the US government, to intervene in this issue to ensure Ashraf residents’ protection is guaranteed.
