INU-The National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI) hosted a live Twitter chat with special guest, Colonel Wesley Martin, First Colonel Commander of Camp Ashraf on Friday. Martin responded to real-time questions about the status of the seven hostages taken by the Iraqi government and the upcoming meeting between Prime Minister of Iraq, Nouri al-Maliki and President Obama.   

A resounding theme amongst the participants was the expected outcome of the meeting with Maliki and Obama, reportedly scheduled for November 1, 2013.  Martin explained that the two leaders will likely discuss the attack on Camp Ashraf.

He reiterated that the only action the U.S. can realistically take now is to cut any and all military funding and weapon shipments to Iraq until the hostages are released. “The government needs to make clear that all support will be withdrawn if Maliki further violates conditions of humanity,” said Martin. 

The question arose several times regarding what average citizens can do to help and to bring awareness to this situation.  Martin urged all supporters to participate in local events, to write to elected leaders and to the media. 

In response to questions regarding the silence of the American Government when it comes to the crimes committed in Iraq, Martin explained that while responsibility lies on the U.S. for the safety of the MEK in Iraq, politics are always in play.“John Kerry is being misinformed by his own department and he does not want to strain relations with Maliki,” Martin said. “U.S. leaders have no excuse for staying silent, they are playing politics,” he added. 

Martin answered questions with all honesty and concluded his hour long chat with sentiment of appreciation to all supporters, “We cannot give up hope and determination to have the seven hostages released… I appreciate everyone’s time interest and loyalty to democracy in Iran.”

Martin’s chat was a part of series of live Twitter chats in the #FreeThe7 campaign. NCRI will host another Twitter chat Thursday, Oct. 31 at 12:00 PM ET with Ivan Sascha Sheehan, Assistant Professor at the School of Public and International Affairs at the University of Baltimore.   

Join in the conversation by following @Iran_policy and #FreeThe7 on Twitter.