Iraq called for the withdrawal of the UN mission from the country by the end of 2025, France Press reported, quoted by BTA.
The political mission of the world organization has been present on Iraqi territory for over 20 years. According to Iraq, it is no longer needed there. This was stated in a letter addressed to the UN Security Council by the Prime Minister of Iraq, Mohammed Shia al-Sudani. In it, he describes the positive developments and successes of successive governments in the country, as well as the fact that the mandate of the UN Assistance Mission in Iraq has been fulfilled. Under these circumstances, after 20 years of democratic transition and overcoming various challenges, the reasons for the presence of a political mission in Iraq no longer exist, the Prime Minister's letter also states.
It calls for the mission to permanently end its work on December 31, 2025, on condition that it focuses henceforth on issues related to economic reform, the fight against climate change and issues related to the development.
The mission was established by the Security Council at the request of the Iraqi government in 2003 and was strengthened four years later. Its mandate is renewed every year. It also includes support to the government for comprehensive political dialogue and national reconciliation, holding elections and security sector reform in Iraq.
At another renewal of its mandate last week, the Security Council called on the Secretary-General to begin a strategic review of the mission, which by the end of 2023 will exceed 700 people.