VICE PRESIDENT
29 August 2012
Press release
Strong Condemnation of the Brutal Attack by Iraq against Ashraf

The International Committee In Search of Justice (ISJ) strongly condemns the brutal attack by the Iraqi forces against Ashraf residents on Monday 27 August and stresses the necessity of active intervention by the U.S. government, United Nations, and the European Union for peaceful resolution of Ashraf issue.
Atrocious attack against women and men who are being forced out of their homes right in front of the UN observers is truly a shame for human civilization. What occurred on Monday—more than anything else—reveals lack of commitment by the United Nations, its Special Representative, and the United States vis-à-vis their international pledges.
ISJ emphasizes the following points:
To avoid similar incidents, it is expected that the UN Secretary General strongly condemns Iraqi forces’ attack on Ashraf residents and designate a fact-finding commission to investigate this attack in order to provide an accurate and unbiased report. The history of distorted and biased reports by UNAMI and its Special Representative in Iraq further stresses the importance of this commission.
The United States has direct responsibility for protection and safety of the residents, therefore, the relocation process to Liberty and from Liberty to third countries must be directly monitored by the U.S.; as such, permanent presence of U.S. embassy representatives in Ashraf and Liberty is a necessary step for peaceful resolution of Ashraf issue.
The U.S. terrorism designation of the PMOI/MEK is the main source of encouragement for the Iraqi government to carry out Tehran’s orders against Ashraf and Liberty residents. This unjust label which has no legitimacy after U.S. court rulings must be removed immediately. Continuation of this designation will further increase the United States’ responsibilities should any harm is inflicted on Ashraf residents.
The August 27th incident further necessitates expediting the relocation process; therefore, we ask the relevant countries, especially the EU member states to actively fulfil their responsibilities in this process.
Silence by the European Union’s High Representative Baroness Ashton is unacceptable; she must condemn the August 27th attack and encourage the member states to admit the residents.

Alejo Vidal-Quadras
Vice-President of the European Parliament
President of the International Committee “In Search of Justice” (ISJ)

International Committee In Search of Justice (ISJ) enjoys the support of over 4,000 parliamentarians throughout the world