Statement by External Affairs Minister Shri Pranab Mukherjee on reports of the sentence to former President Saddam Hussain of Iraq

5/11/2006

“We have seen reports that former President Saddam Hussain of Iraq has been sentenced to death by a Tribunal in Iraq. We understand that there is an automatic appeal procedure. Such life and death decisions require credible due process of law, which does not appear to be victor’s justice and is acceptable to the people of Iraq as well as the international community. We have always stood for a peaceful resolution of the problems in Iraq. We hope that this verdict will not add to the suffering of the people of Iraq.”

New Delhi
November 5, 2006