India disappointed at Saddam's execution

New Delhi, Dec 30: India today expressed ''disappointment'' at the execution of deposed Iraqi President Saddam Hussein and hoped that it would not affect the process of reconciliation, and restoration of peace and normalcy in Iraq.

External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee said India had already expressed the hope that the execution would not be carried out.

''We had already expressed the hope that the execution would not be carried out. We are disappointed that it has been. We hope that this unfortunate event will not affect the process of reconciliation, restoration of peace and normalcy in Iraq,'' a brief statement issued by the External Affairs Minister said.

The Iraqi Appeals Court in Baghdad had on December 26 confirmed the death sentence on Saddam Hussein. After the confirmation, India had hoped that his life would be spared and that no steps were taken which would delay peace in the embattled country.

On November 5, the deposed Iraqi President had been sentenced to death for the massacre of 148 people in a Shiite town in 1982 after an attempt on his life there. Saddam had to be executed within 30 days.

UNI

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