Saddam's hanging: SP to observe Jan 4 as Black Day

Lucknow, Dec 31 (UNI) Condemning the hanging of deposed Iraqi President Saddam Hussein at the ''behest of the United States,'' the ruling Samajwadi Party (SP) in Uttar Pradesh has announced a country-wide 'black day protest' on January four.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister and SP supremo Mulayam Singh Yadav said the demonstration would be peaceful but will certainly have an impact on the country's national politics.

Addressing a function on the 21st death anniversary of late socialist leader Raj Narain here, Mr Yadav said the hanging of Saddam Hussein was a personal agenda of US President George Bush as Saddam was the main hurdle in the US' plan to take control of the oil rich countries.

''Saddam always helped India during crisis in the past but the present government did not express any serious objection over the evil done by US,'' the former Defence Minister maintained.

''We wanted the protest day to be observed today, but as Eid was nearby thus, our leaders decided on January 4, when SP workers will demonstrate everywhere in the country,'' he added.

Mr Yadav said as all the United Nation (UN) agencies are controlled by Mr Bush, there was no international hue and cry over the illegal raid on Iraq on fake charges of nuclear bombs.

UNI