Speaking before the House Foreign Affairs Oversight Subcommittee this week, former Iraqi Prime Minister Iyad Allawi told U.S. lawmakers that while the "surge" had brought significant gains, they could disintegrate.

"The surge in the last year has no doubt made a difference in the security situation. However, we are concerned that these security gains are still fragile and may not be sustainable," he said.

Allawi said it is unlikely Baghdad and Washington will hammer out a deal to replace the U.N. mandate for Iraq before it expires at the end of the year. He suggested Iraq may go to the United Nations to propose an interim Chapter VI Security Council Resolution to govern the mission there while a formal declaration is negotiated with Iraqi lawmakers.

Unlike the current Chapter VII resolution mandating military action, Chapter VI calls for a settlement of disputes between two parties using "peaceful means of their own choice."

Regarding the disputed security arrangements, "it is appropriate to discuss a timeframe for reduction of U.S. forces," Allawi said.

"But at the same time, such reduction must be linked to measures of progress in Iraq and the conditions prevailing in the country," he said, advocating non-sectarian institutions in the country.

On reconstruction, the former premier said progress is "very slow," noting progress is lacking on electricity, water, employment and the hydrocarbon law.

"I look forward to continuing our discussions in the coming months to seek ways of overcoming the challenges and building an understanding based on shared and balanced industries," his statement before the committee concluded.

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