Iraqi PM Discusses UNAMI Mission and Gaza Crisis with UN Secretary-General

On May 27, 2024, Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammad Shia Al-Sudani held a phone call with United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres to discuss the timeline for ending the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI) and the ongoing crisis in Gaza.

During the conversation, Al-Sudani emphasized the importance of cooperation between Iraq and the UN, particularly in areas such as climate challenges and water management. He expressed appreciation for the UN's efforts in Iraq, highlighting their contributions to the country's democratic construction, reconstruction, and development.

A significant portion of the discussion focused on the timeline for ending the UNAMI mission and reducing its personnel levels. Al-Sudani conveyed Iraq's request to terminate UNAMI operations by the end of 2025, citing the country's current political and security stability. This request was initially made on May 12, 2024.

The Prime Minister also addressed the ongoing crisis in Gaza, urging major powers and international organizations to halt the aggression against Palestinian civilians. He stressed the need for these entities to fulfill their humanitarian, ethical, and legal obligations to protect the Palestinian people and ensure their historical rights.

Why this matters: The discussion between the Iraqi Prime Minister and the UN Secretary-General has significant implications for the future of Iraq and the Middle East, as it addresses the timeline for ending the UNAMI mission and the ongoing crisis in Gaza. The outcome of this discussion could have far-reaching consequences for regional stability and the protection of civilians in conflict zones.

In a statement, Al-Sudani remarked, "The necessity for the major powers and international organizations to carry out their humanitarian, moral and legal duty to stop the aggression, protect Palestinian people and ensuring their historical rights."

UNAMI, established in 2003 by UN Security Council Resolution 1500, has been instrumental in providing advice, support, and assistance to the Iraqi government and people. Its mandate includes advancing inclusive political dialogue and national and community-level reconciliation.

Earlier in the day, Al-Sudani met with the UN Special Representative for Iraq, Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert, to mark the end of her tenure. This meeting underscored the ongoing cooperation between Iraq and the UN.

The Iraqi government anticipates a UN Security Council resolution by the end of May in response to its request and the recommendations of the Independent Strategic Review Team. This resolution is expected to outline the procedures for the termination of UNAMI operations.

The phone call between Al-Sudani and Guterres highlighted the importance of continued cooperation between Iraq and the UN. It also emphasized the need for international intervention to protect civilians in Gaza and ensure their rights.

Key Takeaways

• Iraqi PM Al-Sudani discusses ending UNAMI mission with UN Secretary-General Guterres.
• Al-Sudani requests UNAMI mission termination by end of 2025, citing Iraq's stability.
• PM urges international intervention to protect Palestinian civilians in Gaza.
• UN Security Council resolution expected by end of May to outline UNAMI termination procedures.
• Al-Sudani emphasizes importance of continued Iraq-UN cooperation on climate, water, and development.