Hanging of Saddam unfortunate: Azad

Jammu, Dec 30 (UNI) Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad today described the hanging of former Iraqi President Saddam Hussein as 'unfortunate'.

Mr Azad, in a statement, said it was unfortunate that Saddam had been executed when Eid-ul-Azha is being celebrated by Muslims across the Arab world and elsewhere today.

The chief minister said the decision was taken in haste hurting-the sentiments of not only the Muslims but also of those who believe in democracy and human dignity.

Senior Congress leader and former Power Minister Mohammed Sharief Niaz also condemned the execution a few hours before Eid-ul-Azha, terming it as a Bush-Blair conspracy to divide Muslims.

Talking to the media, he claimed the act was done by the US-UK nexus and would have an adverse impact not only in Iraq but also in other parts of the world.

The Congress leader said tensions around the world would now increase and have an adverse impact on the region for decades to come. The US only wants total control over the oil and land in the Gulf, he added.

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