UN Announces End of Its Political Mission in Iraq After 22 Years
UNAMI Concludes Its Mandate Following Iraq’s Request, Marking the Closure of a Mission Launched After the 2003 US-Led Invasion
Iraq, PUREWILAYAH.COM - United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres announced on Saturday in Baghdad the conclusion of the mandate of the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI), which had been tasked with supporting Iraq’s transitional phase following the US-led invasion in 2003.
The announcement was made during an official ceremony marking the end of UNAMI’s activities, attended by senior Iraqi officials, representatives of the United Nations, and prominent religious and political figures.
Guterres: Iraq Enjoys Growing Stability and Security
In his address, Guterres said that UNAMI was “honored and humbled to work side by side with the Iraqi people,” adding that Iraq today is “a country enjoying peace, increasing security, and a firm determination to win the battle for development.”
He explained that over the past 22 years, the mission provided advice to successive governments and parliaments on judicial and legal reforms, supported civil liberties for women, youth, and minorities, contributed to the promotion of human rights, and played a role in backing the political process, elections, and national dialogue.
UN Commitment to Iraq Continues Beyond UNAMI
“With the end of any mission,” Guterres said, “the United Nations will always remain alongside the Iraqi people on the path toward peace, sustainable development, and human rights,” stressing that UN agencies and programs will continue operating in Iraq.
The Iraqi government had formally requested the termination of UNAMI’s mandate, asserting that the country has regained a significant level of stability and no longer requires a UN political mission.
During a previous press conference with Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ al-Sudani, Guterres stated that Iraq “has now become a normal state,” adding that relations between the United Nations and Baghdad “will return to their normal framework” following the mission’s conclusion.
For his part, Prime Minister al-Sudani said that the end of UNAMI’s mandate “marks the beginning of a new chapter of cooperation,” noting that Iraq’s relationship with the United Nations had been “central and effective” in supporting the country until it reached a stage of self-sufficiency. (PW)