Iraqi foreign minister, UN envoy discuss elections and Baghdad-KRG tensions ahead of UNAMI’s exit

BAGHDAD — Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein met Wednesday with Mohamed Al Hassan, the UN Secretary-General’s Special Representative in Iraq and head of the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI), to review Iraq’s relationship with the UN and the mission’s final phase of operations in the country.

According to a statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the discussion centered on ongoing political developments and preparations for Iraq’s upcoming parliamentary elections, scheduled for Nov. 11, 2025.

The two also addressed the strained relationship between the federal government and the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG). Hussein stressed “the importance of dialogue and understanding to reach sustainable solutions to outstanding issues,” the ministry said.

As of July 10, KRG public employees had not received their May salaries amid a growing fiscal standoff with Baghdad. The federal Finance Ministry suspended transfers to the region in May, alleging the KRG had exceeded its 2025 budget ceiling by over 19 trillion dinars and failed to submit full revenue reports. The KRG has denied these accusations, saying it has met its constitutional obligations.

UNAMI, established in 2003 under UN Security Council Resolution 1500 at Iraq’s request, is mandated to support inclusive political dialogue, reconciliation, electoral processes, and human rights protections.

In May, Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ al-Sudani formally requested that the UN mission conclude by the end of 2025. The UN Security Council approved Resolution 2732 on May 31, extending UNAMI’s mandate for a final 19 months. The mission is scheduled to end operations by Dec. 31, 2025, with the exception of any residual liquidation activities.

Statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs:

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Fuad Hussein, received on Wednesday, July 9, 2025, the Special Representative of the Secretary-General of the United Nations in Iraq and Head of the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq, Mr. Mohamed Al Hassan.

During the meeting, they discussed the relations between Iraq and the United Nations, and the important role played by the UNAMI mission.

The two sides also discussed developments in the political situation in the country, particularly the ongoing preparations for the upcoming parliamentary elections, the challenges that may face the electoral process, and ways to overcome them to ensure fair and transparent elections that reflect the will of the Iraqi voters.

The meeting also addressed the relationship between the federal government in Baghdad and the Kurdistan Regional Government, where the Minister reaffirmed the importance of dialogue and understanding to reach sustainable solutions to outstanding issues, in a manner that strengthens national unity and serves the interests of all citizens.