WASHINGTON, July 24 (UPI) -- The security situation in Iraq may reverse, but it may be necessary to discuss a timeline for the withdrawal of U.S. troops, the former Iraqi premier said.

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."