Tehran, 17 December 2003 (RFE/RL) -- Iranian President Mohammad Khatami (pictured) says that Iran is ready to pardon most members of the Mujahedin Khalq, an armed opposition group set to be expelled from neighbouring Iraq. Khatami said after a cabinet meeting that the majority of Mujahedin Khalq members who are not guilty of crimes should be pardoned so they can return home. He said those linked to attacks against Iran's clerical regime should also return to Iran for what he said would be fair trials.
Earlier this month, Iraq's U.S.-installed interim Governing Council said the Mujahedin Khalq would be expelled by the end of this month. The group mounted attacks from Iraq against Iran when Saddam Hussein was in power. More than 3,800 members of the group are in U.S. custody in Iraq.
Earlier this month, Iraq's U.S.-installed interim Governing Council said the Mujahedin Khalq would be expelled by the end of this month. The group mounted attacks from Iraq against Iran when Saddam Hussein was in power. More than 3,800 members of the group are in U.S. custody in Iraq.