Iran welcomes Saddam execution
International reaction to Saddam Hussein’s execution.
“Saddam Hussein’s execution comes at the end of a difficult year for the Iraqi people and for our troops,” Bush said after the execution.
“Many difficult choices and further sacrifices lie ahead. Yet the safety and security of the American people require that we not relent in ensuring that Iraq’s young democracy continues to progress.”
France, staunchly opposed to the death penalty, called on Iraqis to work towards reconciliation and national unity.
The French foreign ministry said in statement: “France calls upon all Iraqis to look towards the future and work towards reconciliation and national unity. Now more than ever, the objective should be a return to full sovereignty and stability in Iraq.”
Japan, a close US ally, said it respected Iraq‘s decision to execute Saddam, saying the act was based on the “rule of law”.
“This is a decision made by Iraq‘s new government on the rule of law,” a foreign ministry official said. “We respect it.”
Syed Hamid Albar, the Malaysian foreign minister, said: “A lot of people, the international community generally are not in favour of the hanging and question the due process that took place.
“We are surprised that they went ahead nowithstanding.
“I think there will be repercussions. The only thing is we hope they will be able to contain this. Because the conflict is not going to end. This is not the answer.”