US Special Envoy Issues New Year Message to Iraq, Vows Fight Against Corruption

PUKMEDIA

Mark Savaya, US Special Envoy to Iraq.

Mark Savaya, the United States Special Envoy to Iraq, has issued a New Year message to the Iraqi people, expressing hopes for peace, unity and renewed optimism as the country enters 2026, while pledging continued efforts to confront corruption, instability and poor governance.

In his message, Savaya praised the resilience and strength of Iraqis, describing them as an inspiration to the world, and voiced confidence that the new year would bring improved opportunities, greater stability and a brighter future for all citizens.

The US envoy reaffirmed Washington’s commitment to working with the government of the Republic of Iraq within the framework of the Iraqi constitution and laws, stressing the importance of cooperation to secure a stable and prosperous future for the country and its people.

Savaya said efforts are under way to make 2026 a turning point, marking the end of long-standing challenges including instability, corruption, internal tensions and foreign interference. He also highlighted the need to address the spread of uncontrolled weapons, militias, smuggling, money laundering, embezzlement and the circumvention of the law.

The message further underscored the importance of tackling economic and social problems such as unemployment, poverty, inequality, poor public services and the plundering of national resources, alongside ending bogus contracts and administrative malpractice.

In a strongly worded warning, Savaya said the message was directed at those responsible for spreading corruption across Iraq, declaring that their time is over and that a new era — centred on the will of the Iraqi people — has begun.

He concluded by affirming that Iraq and its national flag will remain a source of pride for all Iraqis, adding that efforts towards reform and renewal are “only just beginning”.


PUKMEDIA