Iraq bans dealings with Iran opposition group

BAGHDAD (AP) - The Iraqi government Tuesday banned any dealings with an Iranian opposition group based in Iraq.

In an official statement, Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki's Cabinet accused the Mujahedeen Khalq organization of interfering in Iraq's internal affairs.

"The Cabinet decided to ban any dealings with this organization by any Iraqi or foreign individual, organization or party," the statement said.

The government said those who violate the order will face charges under the anti-terror law.

Before the U.S.-led invasion in 2003, the Mujahedeen Khalq enjoyed Saddam Hussein's full support. It was used to quell domestic unrest by Shiites and Kurds after Iraq's defeat in Gulf War in 1991.

But U.S. troops demilitarized the group and confined its fighters to a camp northeast of Baghdad, under the protection of the multinational forces.

The Cabinet demanded that the coalition turn over checkpoints around the camp to Iraqi control.

The discussion in parliament Tuesday over the government move broke down along ethnic and sectarian lines.

Shiite and Kurdish lawmakers described the group as a threat to Iraq's national security, while Sunni lawmakers alleged that the group is not involved in any terrorist acts.
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