U.S. welcomes PMOI relocation

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WASHINGTON, Feb. 20 (UPI) -- Nearly 400 residents of an Iraqi camp for Iranian dissidents moved to a new facility near Baghdad, the U.S. State Department announced.

Baghdad and the United Nations signed a memorandum of understanding in December outlining the voluntary relocation of members of the People's Mujahedin of Iran from their Camp Ashraf enclave in Diyala province to Camp Liberty in Baghdad.

Maryam Rajavi, who describes herself as the leader of the Iranian Resistance, said 400 members of the People's Mujahedin of Iran were called on to move from Camp Ashraf.

"The United States welcomes the peaceful departure of the first 397 residents from Camp Ashraf and joins the United Nations in welcoming their safe arrival at Camp (Liberty)," the State Department announced.

The State Department said the decision marks the beginning of their eventual departure from Iraq. "Patience and willingness to resolve issues related to the relocation will be important as the process moves ahead," the notice read.

The PMOI is labeled as a terrorist organization by the U.S. government though some European countries have relaxed their stance on the group.