The UN’s UNAMI mission in Iraq concludes after 22 years, with Secretary-General Guterres marking the shift to normal bilateral relations.
BAGHDAD: UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Saturday marked the end of the United Nations’ political mission in Iraq after 22 years of operation.
The United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI) is shutting down at Baghdad’s request, concluding its support following the 2003 US-led invasion.
“UNAMI was honoured and humbled to walk side-by-side with the Iraqi people,” Guterres said at the mission’s closing ceremony.
He added that while the mission concludes, the UN will continue to support Iraq on its path toward peace and development.
UN agencies and programmes will maintain their operations in the country.
During a press conference with Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani, Guterres stated that Iraq is now a normal country.
“Relations between the UN and Iraq will become normal relations with the end of UNAMI,” he said.
Sudani said the end of UNAMI’s mandate marks the beginning of a new chapter of cooperation.
“Our relationship with the United Nations through UNAMI was pivotal and effective in meeting Iraq’s needs,” he added.
UNAMI was established by a UN Security Council resolution at the Iraqi government’s request before being expanded four years later.
A truck bomb struck the UN headquarters in Baghdad in August 2003, killing the first special representative, Sergio Vieira de Mello, and 21 others.
The mission’s tasks included advising on political dialogue, reconciliation, elections, and security sector reform.
Iraqi authorities say there are no longer grounds for a UN political mission as the country regains a sense of normalcy.
