Saddam Hussein
30 December 2006
The South African government noted reports of the execution of former Iraqi
President Saddam Hussein, today, 30 December 2006 in Baghdad. From the date of
the imposition of the death penalty by the Iraqi court, South Africa had joined
the international community in expressing its principled opposition to the
application of capital punishment to Saddam.
South Africa remains convinced that his execution is not the panacea for the
current political problems in Iraq but could fuel violence in an already
volatile situation.
Accordingly, we reiterate the call by President Thabo Mbeki that despite
what happened in the past, the United Nations must get involved to bring about
peace and stability in Iraq.
For further information, please contact:
Ronny Mamoepa
Cell: 082 990 4853
Tel: (012) 351 0027
Fax: (012) 351 0165
E-mail: mamoepar@foreign.gov.za
Issued by: Department of Foreign Affairs
30 December 2006
Source: SAPA
