According to a representative of the Foundation for Iranian Studies in Bethesda, Maryland, the Bonyad Ganbazan (War Veterans Foundation) was created during the Iran-Iraq War in order to help those disabled in the war (18 Oct. 1995). A representative of Middle East Watch corroborated this information (26 Oct. 1995).
The attached Reuters reports of 26 July 1995, 29 June 1995 and 4 January 1995 provide general information on the Bonyad-e Mostazafan va Janbazan (Foundation for the Deprived and War Disabled) and its head, Mohsen Rafiqdoust, a former Revolutionary Guards officer; they also refer to the alleged involvement of Rafiqdoust in a bank fraud.

Other attached articles, which cover the period 1991 to 1995, provide information on the economic activities of the foundation inside and outside of Iran as well a parliamentary investigation into its activities.

This Response was prepared after researching publicly accessible information currently available to the DIRB within time constraints. This Response is not, and does not purport to be, conclusive as to the merit of any particular claim to refugee status or asylum.

Foundation of Iranian Studies, Bethesda, MD. 18 October 1995. Telephone interview with representative.

Middle East Watch, New York. 26 October 1995. Telephone interview with representative.

Islamic Republic News Agency [Tehran, in English]. 19 July 1995. Economic Cooperation Agreement Signed with Iran." (BBC Summary of World Broadcasts 26 July 1995/NEXIS)

_____. 26 July 1994. "Turkmenistan Signs Barter Agreement Exchanging Asbestos for Iranian Tiles." (BBC Summary of World Broadcasts 9 August 1994/NEXIS)

_____. 24 April 1994. "Soft Drinks to Be Exported to Azerbaijan." (BBC Summary of World Broadcasts 3 May 1994/NEXIS)

_____. 10 July 1991. "Iran; Four New Shipping Lines to Promote Iranian Exports to Gulf States." (BBC Summary of World Broadcasts/NEXIS)

Moneyclips [London]. 2 May 1994. "German and Japanese Iranologists Arrive in Tehran." (NEXIS)

_____. 10 February 1994. "Kowsar Residence-cum-Clinic Complex Is to Be Opened Today in Tehran." (NEXIS)

_____. 4 May 1992. "Turkmen Vice-President in Iran for Economic Ties." (NEXIS)

Reuters. 26 July 1995. BC Cycle. "Iran Foundation Chief Denies Involvement in Fraud." (NEXIS)

_____. 29 June 1995. BC Cycle. "Brother of Powerful Iranian in Fraud Case." (NEXIS)

_____. 4 January 1995. BC Cycle. "Iran Foundation's Five-Year Profit $430 Million." (NEXIS)

_____. 24 November 1994. BC Cycle. Mohammad Zargham. "Iran Economic Group under Probe, Boss Reinstated." (NEXIS)

_____. 31 December 1992. BC Cycle. "Iran Opens Petrol Station in Azerbaijan." (NEXIS)

The Xinhua General Overseas News Service. 29 May 1993. "Iran to Invest 14 Million Dollars in Joint Venture in Pakistan." (NEXIS)