House Foreign Affairs Committee, 20 Feb 2012 – U.S. Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL), Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, today called on the Administration to promote the full implementation of the memorandum of understanding (MOU) signed by the Government of Iraq and the United Nations on Camp Ashraf, prevent the forcible repatriation or transfer of residents of Camp Ashraf or Camp Liberty, and ensure the safety and security of those residents.
 
Statement by Ros-Lehtinen:

“I am deeply concerned about the reported treatment of Ashraf residents who recently relocated to Camp Liberty and the overall conditions at Camp Liberty.  These reports have reinforced my concerns about the implementation of the MOU and about the willingness of the UN and the Iraqi government to uphold their obligations. 

The MOU does not contain strong enough protections for residents of Camp Ashraf and Camp Liberty.  I am particularly troubled by the fact that there is no guarantee that residents of Camp Ashraf will only relocate on a solely voluntary basis.   

The Administration and the United Nations must ensure that relocation from Camp Ashraf to Camp Liberty is entirely voluntary, that relocations are performed in a respectful and humanitarian manner, that former residents of Camp Ashraf residing in Camp Liberty are provided access to basic services, legal counsel, and family members, and that residents are not harmed or harassed by the Iraqi authorities.