ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - The conclusion of the United Nations mission in Iraq by the end of 2025 does not mean that its support and presence in Iraq will also end, the mission’s head said on Wednesday, stressing that the UN is entering its “most important” chapter in the country. “The UN managed to help Iraq achieve a number of expectations, but the end of UNAMI’s mission does not mean the end of UN in Iraq,” United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI) chief Mohamed al-Hassan said at the Middle East Research Institute (MERI) Forum in Erbil, adding “Iraq needs the UN.” The UNAMI mission is set to end on December 31, 2025. Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ al-Sudani made the request in May through a letter submitted to the UN Secretary-General and Security Council, stressing bilateral relationships should be “based on bilateral consultation and respect for Iraq's will and sovereignty.” Hassan, who is set to be the last UNAMI chief in Iraq, said that the main goal of the mission is “the return of security and stability.” “Now, a more important chapter will begin, a chapter of implementing the expectations,” Hassan said, affirming that the Iraqi population is capable of solving the country’s “big” problems. While UNAMI does not directly implement developmental and humanitarian programs, it plays an advisory role in facilitating partnership and technical cooperation between the Iraqi government and the 20 UN agencies, funds, and programs operating in the country. “Those who created UNAMI can create other entities that are of greater assistance,” Hassan said, reiterating that “the most important part of Iraq with UNAMI is in this year.” UNAMI was established in August 2003 at the request of Iraq under the Security Council Resolution 1500 to support Baghdad’s developmental efforts. Its mandate was extended annually. The Iraqi government has cited improved security and stability for ending UNAMI’s mission.
