Baghdad: Legal expert and consultant, Salem Hawas stated that the conclusion of the mandate of the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI) marks a pivotal milestone in the process of restoring national sovereignty, reflecting Iraq's transition from reliance on international political support to a phase of institutional stability and independent national decision-making, following more than two decades of UN engagement that accompanied the country's political and security transformations.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, in a statement, Hawas explained that the decision to end UNAMI's mandate was made at the request of the Iraqi government and based on a joint assessment with the United Nations, indicating the successful completion of the mission's core tasks, particularly in supporting the democratic process, assisting electoral activities, contributing to Iraq's exit from Chapter VII restrictions, as well as its role in the post-terrorism phase and the enhancement of overall stability.

He stressed that the end of the mission does not signify a UN withdrawal from Iraq, but rather a qualitative shift in cooperation toward developmental and technical partnerships through specialized UN agencies. He added that the coming phase requires a strong national focus on human rights, the rights of women and children, addressing the consequences of conflicts, and ensuring the return of displaced persons, in a manner that reinforces sovereignty and serves the interests of the Iraqi people.