Another 42 Iranian exiles from Camp Ashraf were now relocated to Camp Liberty in Iraq after one week of violence that hit the camp.
Reports say the remaining Mujahedeen-e-Khalq dissident group from Camp Ashraf left the Saddam Hussein-era compound on Wednesday.
The relocation came after an outbreak of violence erupted at Camp Ashraf, killing dozens of the unarmed Iranian exiles.
The MEK group opposed Iran’s clerical regime, and its members were granted refuge inside Iraq by former iraqi leader Saddam Hussein. The United Nations made them “protected persons” but has done little to protect them.
US welcomes the relocations
In her remarks in Washington DC, US Department Spokesperson Jen Psaki says the US welcomes the arrival at Camp Hurriya of the remaining 42 individuals from the Mujahedin-e-Khalq (MEK) who had been residing at Camp Ashraf.
“These individuals were survivors of the horrific attack that took place on September 1 at Camp Ashraf.” – Ms. Psaki
The US appreciates the MEK’s cooperation with the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI) in the relocation effort.
The US is also grateful by the assistance of the Government of Iraq in facilitating this relocation.
US Condemns the attack of Camp Ashraf in September 1
Ms. Psaki also highlighted the US condemnation of the September 1 attack and insists that the perpetrators of that barbarous act be brought to justice.
“We also continue to be deeply concerned about the seven individuals who remain missing from the attack.” – Ms. Psaki
The US government also urges that all steps be taken to locate these individuals.
US Response to Camp Ashraf Issue
In May 2012, the US addressed the challenges relocating Camp Ashraf residents to Camp Liberty.
Living conditions for one at Camp Hurriya have also had challenges.
Camp Hurriya, when under U.S. control, was Camp Liberty, part of the largest coalition base in Iraq, housing thousands of American and coalition forces during military operations in Iraq.
The containerized housing units (CHUs), which the former Ashraf residents now occupy, previously housed US service personnel, he noted.
UNAMI, with active U.S. support, was supposed to work at high levels with the Iraqi government to ensure the welfare of the residents was not compromised and to resolve issues that arise.
In February 2012, nearly 400 residents of Camp Ashraf arrived at the new Camp.
In December 2011, the Residents of Camp Ashraf in Iraq reluctantly declared readiness for relocation of the first group of Camp Ashraf residents. They were moving from Camp Ashraf, to Camp Liberty with their vehicles and moveable belongings.
Situated in the eastern Iraqi province of Diyala, Camp Ashraf housed members of the group known as the People’s Mojahedeen of Iran. The Iraqi Government repeatedly stated its intention to close down the camp by 31 December and to transfer residents to another location until countries willing to accept them for resettlement were found.
The important agreement stipulated providing temporary relocation and eventual resettlement of the more than 3,000 residents of Camp Ashraf in Iraq.
The PMOI is the main opposition and threat to the Iranian mullahs. Their Camp was attacked by Maliki forces on several occasions. One previous attack led to a bloodbath; 33 killed by direct precision shooting and US-provided Humvees ramming unarmed residents. 325 were wounded and 6 were taken as hostages by Iraqi thugs
