Iran hailed a decision by Iraq’s US-backed interim leaders to expel the Iranian armed opposition People’s Mujahedeen, but denied suggestions the move was part of a secret deal involving the extradition of Al-Qaeda members from the Islamic republic. “The decision taken by the (Iraqi) Governing Council is very positive. We have been saying to the fighters not to be stubborn and to surrender, in which case we will show leniency,” Intelligence Minister Ali Yunessi told reporters Wednesday. When asked if Iran could now hand over top members of Al-Qaeda it says are in its custody, Yunessi insisted “there is no link”. “When it comes to terrorists, we do not do deals,” added government spokesman Abdollah Ramazanzadeh. “The judiciary will decide on what to do with them if they have not committed crimes against Iranians and if there are no Iranian complaints against them,” he added, repeating statements that some detained Al-Qaeda members here could be tried in Iranian courts. Full Story
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