UN to Keep Supporting Iraq Despite UNAMI's Mission Conclusion

(MENAFN) Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani and UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres reinforced their bilateral commitment on Saturday, even as the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI) prepares to close after more than two decades.

Guterres touched down in Baghdad earlier Saturday following a visit to Saudi Arabia, attending a ceremonial event marking UNAMI's conclusion after 22 years of deployment in Iraq.

"Iraq values the positions of the UN secretary-general," Sudani said during a joint news conference in Baghdad.

The prime minister emphasized that Iraq "has defeated terrorism through the sacrifices of its people."

"The end of UNAMI's mission does not mark the end of Iraq's partnership with the UN," Sudani said, noting that relations with the mission have been central.

UNAMI was created through a UN Security Council resolution shortly after the 2003 US-led invasion, tasked with supporting Iraq's restoration of sovereignty and development of democratic frameworks.

In May 2024, the Security Council voted unanimously—at Baghdad's request—to terminate UNAMI's mandate effective Dec. 31, 2025.

In a symbolic gesture, Sudani announced a Baghdad street would be renamed "the United Nations."

The Iraqi leader also endorsed the UN proposal to appoint former Iraqi President Barham Salih as the next UN high commissioner for refugees, a state news agency reported.

The UN revealed Friday that Guterres had nominated Salih for the five-year position, replacing Italy's Filippo Grandi, whose tenure is expiring.

Guterres commended Iraq's "positive transformation," describing the nation as significantly safer and transformed from its past state. He applauded Iraq for successfully conducting last month's parliamentary elections.

"We have seen Iraq's courage, resilience and determination in overcoming terrorism," Guterres said, adding that the UN is proud of its role in Iraq.

The country now functions as a normal and stable state deserving global recognition, Guterres stated, according to the news agency.

Guterres also acknowledged Iraq's dedication to repatriating its nationals from al-Hol camp, situated in Syria's northeastern Hasakah province.

Al-Hol camp was initially established to accommodate individuals fleeing conflicts following the 2003 Iraq invasion. The facility remains under PKK/YPG terrorist group control, housing civilians displaced by anti-ISIS (Daesh) operations, along with surrendered terrorists and their relatives.

International organizations, including the UN, have consistently warned about deplorable conditions at the camp, documenting insecurity, violence and systematic abuse targeting women and girls.

The al-Hol camp has attracted heightened scrutiny following the collapse of the Bashar al-Assad regime last year and intensified campaigns to restore governmental authority.

The camp's strategic importance stems from the leverage it grants PKK/YPG terrorists—diminished control over the site would significantly erode the group's negotiating power with Washington.

MENAFN14122025000045017169ID1110477383