Iraq: Iran

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made of conditions in Camp Ashraf, Iraq, with particular reference to (a) access for (i) doctors and (ii) fuel tankers and (b) the consequences of Iraqi action against the camp’s residents in July 2009; and if he will make a statement. (300259)

We understand that since the events at Camp Ashraf on 28 July, the situation is generally calm and the camp residents have continued access to food, water, medical and essential supplies. Officials from our embassy in Baghdad have met with the Iraqi government Ashraf Committee and the UN to discuss the situation. During these meetings they confirmed that necessary supplies were able to enter the camp unimpeded.

Our ambassador in Iraq wrote to the Iraqi Human Rights Minister to ask for a review of the events that took place at the camp on 28 July. The Iraqi government are undertaking a review and we have asked to be kept informed of progress.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what his Department’s assessment is of the status in international law of the residents of Camp Ashraf, Iraq; and if he will make a statement. (300305)

Camp Ashraf is in a sovereign and democratic Iraq and the camp residents subject to its laws. The UK is of the view that the residents of Camp Ashraf, as with all people in Iraq, enjoy rights and protections under the Iraqi constitution and applicable international obligations to which Iraq is a signatory. We do not consider that they have ‘protected persons’ status.

We do not feel a ministerial statement is necessary at this time.