(MENAFN) The head of the UN Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI) presented his concluding briefing to the Security Council on Tuesday, signaling the imminent conclusion of the mission’s 22-year tenure on Dec. 31.

During the address, he reflected on what he described as the “hard-won gains” achieved in Iraq.

Mohamed Al Hassan commenced the session by expressing his appreciation to Council members for their “invaluable support and guidance” and conveyed deep gratitude to the Iraqi government for hosting the mission since its inception in 2003.

He also recognized the cooperation of both Iraq and Kuwait, emphasizing that their collaboration had been pivotal to UNAMI’s longstanding mandate.

“Today is a great day for the international community to witness an honorable and dignified closure of a UN mission,” Al Hassan remarked.

He encouraged the Council to recall the circumstances surrounding UNAMI’s creation: an Iraq emerging from dictatorship, conflict, foreign occupation, and the rise of ISIS (Daesh).

He honored those who had lost their lives over the years, including the 22 UN staff members killed in the 2003 bombing of the Canal Hotel in Baghdad, which served as UN headquarters in Iraq.

Al Hassan commended Iraq’s perseverance, noting key achievements such as the adoption of a new constitution and the completion of 13 electoral cycles.

“I can hardly think of a more fitting final chapter to UNAMI’s activities than the scenes witnessed…as Iraqis from diverse backgrounds lined up in orderly queues, eager to cast their ballots,” he said.

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