Iraqi forces to assume security responsibility of Camp Ashraf – US embassy

BAGHDAD / IraqiNews.com: With the end of the UNSCR mandate for the Coalition Forces in Iraq, the Government of Iraq will assume security responsibility for Camp Ashraf and its residents as of January 1, 2009, the US embassy in Iraq said in a statement on Tuesday. “In that context, the transfer of security responsibility from Coalition Forces to the Iraqi Security Forces will take effect January 1, 2009. U.S. forces will maintain a presence at Camp Ashraf and will continue to assist the Government of Iraq in carrying out its assurances of humane treatment of the residents of Camp Ashraf,” said the statement received by IraqiNews.com. “The Government of Iraq has provided the US Government written assurances of humane treatment of the Camp Ashraf residents in accordance with Iraq’s Constitution, laws, and international obligations,” it added. As recently as September 2008, the Government of Iraq affirmed publicly that it would treat the residents of Camp Ashraf humanely. “The US Government, through its Embassy in Iraq and the military forces present under the new bilateral security agreement, will continue to work to ensure a smooth transition for the camp residents. The US Government and Government of Iraq will work with appropriate international organizations to assist the camp residents in securing a safe future,” the statement added. SH (S) 1