Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 27 January 2004
367 Mr. Andrews asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if his attention has been drawn to the repatriation of members of the People's Mojahedin of Iran from Iraq to Iran by order of the governing council; and if he has concerns for their safety. [1878/04]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am aware that the Iraqi authorities have indicated that members of the Mujahedin-e-Khalq are no longer welcome in their country. This organisation is on the EU list of designated terrorist organisations and, under the regime of Saddam Hussein, is alleged to have used Iraq as a base of operations from which to carry out its terrorist activities.
It is not yet clear if these individuals will be forcibly repatriated to Iran against their wishes. The US has vetoed a decision by the Iraqi Governing Council to hand over 3,800 members of the People's Mojahedin to Iran. It is likely that many may get asylum in third countries. We will continue to monitor the situation closely and seek to ensure the human rights of the individuals involved are protected.
