Saddam's death to worsen situation in Iraq : Russia

Moscow, Dec 30 (UNI) Russia today said the execution of deposed Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein may further 'aggravate' the military and political situation in Iraq and heighten ethnic tensions in the country.

''The situation in Iraq is heading towards a worst-case scenario.

The country is slipping into violence and is on the verge of a large-scale civil conflict. Saddam Hussein's death can further aggravate the military-political situation and increase ethnic and religious tensions,'' Russian Foreign Ministry spokesman Mikhail Kamynin said in a statement, commenting on Saddam's execution by hanging this morning.

Mr Kamynin said Russia was ready to help reach a comprehensive settlement in Iraq both on the bilateral and multilateral basis.

''On its part, Russia is ready in every possible way to cooperate in achieving durable comprehensive settlement in the country , both on the bilateral basis as well as in the framework of collective efforts by the international community,'' he stressed.

UNI XC KD DS1555