Three Decades of bi-Partisan Congressional Support for the Iranian Opposition, the Mujahedin-e Khalq (MEK)

WASHINGTON, Nov. 25, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The grass roots efforts in over 40 states by the Iranian American communities has generated bi-partisan support for the parliament-in-exile, the National Council of Resistance of Iran, its main component, the Mujahedin-e Khalq (MEK), and its members in camps Ashraf and Liberty since the 1980s. Examples follow:

2016:

• H.Con.Res.159- Introduced by Homeland Security Committee Chair Michael McCaul (R-TX), Foreign Affairs Committee Chair and Ranking members Ed Royce (R-CA), and Elliot Engel (D-NY), and Chair of Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission James McGovern (D-MA): "In a recently disclosed audiotape, the late Hussein Ali Montazeri, a grand ayatollah who served as Khomeini's chief deputy, noted the regime's efforts to target the MEK and said that the 1988 mass killings were 'the greatest crime committed during the Islamic.'"
• The House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi released a statement on the successful relocation of the "exiled Iranian opposition group Mujahedin e- Khalq out of Camp Liberty in Iraq."
• Nowruz on Capitol Hill, Chairman Royce addressed the Iranian Americans: "…the MEK .. assisted in protecting American lives from those who were bringing IEDs in to try to kill U.S. soldiers."
• S.Con.Res.42 regarding the safe and expeditious resettlement to Albania of all residents of Camp Liberty unanimously passed the Senate Foreign Relations Committee presided by Chairman Bob Corker and Ranking member Ben Cardin.

2015:

• The National Defense Authorization Act for the fiscal year 2016, signed into law by President Obama, included a language in support of the "security and protection" of MEK members in Camp Liberty, Iraq.
• Senate Armed Services Committee Hearing on October 7, 2015, titled "Iranian Influence in Iraq and the Case of Camp Liberty," presided by Chairman John McCain (R-AZ) and ranking member Jack Reed (D-RI), in which safety and security of MEK members in Camp Liberty was urged.
• In Hearing titled "ISIS: Defining the Enemy" on April 29, 2015, Congressman Brad Sherman (D-CA) addressed the MEK and its activities in Iran and said, "Whatever the MEK did or is accused of, it was against a terrorist regime."

2014:

• Language on the safety, security, and well being of the MEK members residing in Camp Liberty in FY2015 Omnibus Appropriations Bill signed by President Obama into Law.
• Senator John McCain Oct. 22, 2014 letter to Secretary Kerry recalled the U.S. commitment to protect Camp Liberty, "I urge you to continue to push for the protection of the residents of Camp Liberty and to expedite the refugee resettlement process."
• National Defense Authorization Act FY 2014 included language regarding the safety and security of the residents of Camp Liberty.
• July 17, 2014, Letter by Senators Levin, McCain, Shaheen and Blunt to Secretary John Kerry, "To express grave concern regarding the situation in Iraq, and the safety of Iranian dissidents, members of the Mujahedin-e-Khalq (MEK), residing in Camp liberty."
• Letter of 48 (23D+25R) representatives to Secretary Kerry, urging him to "take all necessary measures to ensure the safety and security of (Camp) Liberty residents."

2013:

• Senate Foreign Relations Committee hearing, October 3, 2013: Chairman Robert Menendez followed Senator McCain's statement on Camp Ashraf residents and said, "I have put out a statement in this regard and have also talked to our Department. You know, America went to MEK and we said disarm and we will protect you."
• H.Res. 89 with 102 co-sponsors: "The United States Department of State commended the MEK members for their cooperation and assistance in implementation of the Memorandum of Understanding."

2012:

• Letter of March 23, 2012 by Senator Roy Blunt (R-MO) to Sec. Hillary Clinton, "I am writing to formally request a detail regarding the State department's review of the Mujahedin-e-Khalq's (MEK)."
• Letter of 79 representatives to Secretary Clinton: "U.S. is responsible for-and must ensure-that humanitarian protection for the residents of Camp Ashraf and Camp Liberty are upheld."

2011:

• H.Res. 60- Chair of the Select Intelligence Mike Rogers (R-MI), Chair of the Oversight Committee Darrel Issa (R-CA), Chair of the Armed Services Committee Howard McKeon (R-CA) were among the 99 sponsors (52 D and 47 R), including seven Committee chairs; The resolution urged "the Secretary of State to remove the People's Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK) from the Department of State's list of Foreign Terrorist Organizations."
• Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman John Kerrycalled for full investigation into the massacre of members of the MEK in Camp Ashraf.
• Chairman Carl Levin in his remarks addressing Secretary Panetta during a Senate Armed Services Hearing on November 15, 2011, raised the significance of the protection of MEK members in Iraq and suggested, "Just assure them (Iraqi Government) if you would, that … there is a lot of concern in the Congress about it, and this [an attack]… will severely negatively impact their relationship with the US Congress.

2010:

• H.Res 1431 with 112 co-sponsors seeks removal of "People's Mojahedin Organization of Iran from the State Department's list of Foreign Terrorist Organizations…"

2009:

• H.Res.704 with 224 co-sponsors (126 D and 98 R) condemning the attack on Camp Ashraf and supporting the protection of MEK members in the camp.

2008:

• Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee Howard Berman (D-CA), letter to Iraq Prime Minister: "I look forward to working with your government to help ensure the continued protection and well-being of those living in (Camp) Ashraf."

2004:

• Letter of 15 representatives to President Bush calling for "removing the MEK from this blacklist."

2002:

• 150 members of the US House of Representatives expressed support for the MEK as "a legitimate resistance movement," and "a prominent anti-fundamentalist organization adhering to a tolerant Islam," and "a major player in confronting this ominous phenomenon and terrorism emanating from it."

2001:

• 32 U.S. Senators: "US policy should reach out to those working to establish a democratic and pluralistic system in the country. In this context, support for the democratic goals of the National Council of Resistance of Iran and its President-elect, Mrs. Maryam Rajavi, whose objectives are supported by the majority of Iranians, can contribute to peace, human rights and regional stability."

2000:

• 228 House Members: "in such circumstances, it is only our support for the Iranian people's aspirations for fundamental change and the democratic goals of the National Council of Resistance that can contribute to the promotion of peace, human rights and stability in this part of the world." The statement also refers to the "Mojahedin opposition" [MEK] as a "legitimate resistance movement."

1999:

• Letter by 28 Senators to Secretary of State, identified the MEK as "a legitimate resistance movement, even though they remain on your agency's list of terrorist organizations."

1998:

• 220 House Members: "On October 9, 1997, the Los Angeles Times reported that 'One senior Clinton administration official said inclusion of the People's Moujahedeen [MEK] was intended as a goodwill gesture to Tehran and its newly elected moderate president, Mohammad Khatami.'… It was not Congress' intent that a legitimate opposition to the Iranian regime be included within that particular list of terrorist groups."

1997:

• 225 House Members: "Support for advocates of democracy such as, the Iranian Resistance's President-elect Maryam Rajavi, would contribute to peace and stability in the region. This resistance has called for free and fair elections under the auspices of the United Nations and the creation of a democratic, secular, pluralist government."

1995:

• 202 House members: "The National Council of Resistance of Iran…will contribute to the realization of political pluralism and democracy in Iran."

1992:

• 219 House Members: "We are convinced that support for the National Council of Resistance will contribute to the achievement of peace and stability for all the countries of the region."

Organization of Iranian American Communities www.oiac.org

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SOURCE Organization of Iranian American Communities (OIAC)