Iraqi Government spokesperson Basim al-Awadi unveiled on Friday a new approach for Iraq's engagement with the United Nations, stating that UNAMI's political role will conclude, though it has provided significant support to Iraqis and the political process.

Al-Awadi told the Iraqi state media “UNAMI was established in August 2003, following the fall of the former regime, the presence of the Global Coalition, and the absence of a formal government, only an administrative council assuming new governance duties in Iraq.”

“The mission has worked in Iraq and provided valuable services to the Iraqi people, striving to stabilize the political process, submitting important reports to the UN, which led to significant decisions supporting successive Iraqi governments and the political process,” he said.

Al-Awadi stated that direct engagement with the Iraqi government is now commonplace among states. He noted, “all political factions believe that we have reached a stage of political maturity, acknowledging the contributions of UNAMI and the United Nations, alongside Iraqis' ability to manage political affairs independently.”

“We require the UN's presence and assistance, particularly concerning climate and environmental matters, albeit in a new format that does not entail permanent presence but periodic committee formation to engage in specific issues,” he added.

Regarding future UNAMI presence, Awadi indicated that Iraq's proposal extends the mission beyond the upcoming parliamentary elections. The government has requested UNAMI's presence until December 31, 2025, aligning with the subsequent parliamentary elections scheduled for November.

Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia' al-Sudani officially requested earlier in May that the Secretary-General of the United Nations, Antonio Guterres, concludes UNAMI's mission in Iraq by December 2025.

In a letter addressed to the Security Council, PM Sudani emphasized Iraq's commitment to enhancing collaboration with other UN agencies while stating that the political functions of the UN Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI) were no longer required.