Deputy Chairman of the Supreme Islamic Iraqi Council Ammar Hakim told the Islamic Republic News Agency the PMOI had direct contact with the al-Qaida network since the U.S.-led invasion of Iraq.

The PMOI is protected by U.S. military forces in Ashraf City in Iraq's Diyala province. Several nations, including the United States, consider the group a terrorist organization for its activity under the former Iraqi regime, but that status is under review.

The PMOI opposes the current clerical regime in Iran.

Hakim said the group was an accomplice to crimes committed by the former Baathist regime and misled U.S. military officials into arresting several influential leaders who opposed Saddam Hussein. Hakim said many of those officials were still in U.S. custody.

Several Iraqi leaders have claimed to back a move to oust the PMOI from Iraq, and Tuesday Iraqi government spokesman Ali al-Dabbagh said Baghdad would "encourage" the group to seek asylum in another country.

Hakim denied allegations the Iranian government had influenced any decision regarding the group, saying any resolutions were solely those of the Iraqi central government.

© 2008 United Press International. All Rights Reserved.
This material may not be reproduced, redistributed, or manipulated in any form.