World reactions to Saddam´s verdict

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Source: CCTV.com | 11-06-2006 09:15

Special Report:   Iraq in Transition

US reaction : Bush hails Saddam Hussein's death sentence

And in the US, President George W. Bush has hailed the verdict on Saddam Hussein as a milestone for Iraqis. But worldwide, reactions have differed. Several European countries acknowledge the justice of the sentence, but are denouncing the use of capital punishment.

Bush said, “Saddam Hussein's trial is a milestone.”

The verdict comes just two days before US congressional elections begin on Tuesday. Dissatisfaction with the war in Iraq means Bush's Republican party may lose control of the House of Representatives and the Senate. And his rival Democrat party has been trying to make Tuesday's midterm election a referendum on Bush's handling of the Iraq war.

Iraqi reaction : The trial was fair

Iraqi President Jalal Talabani said on Sunday that Saddam Hussein's trial was fair, but would not comment on the verdict or death sentence.

Jalal Talabani, Iraq President said, “I must, according to the constitution, respect the independence of the Iraqi judiciary. This is the first stage of the court, then there will be another one. Until the end I must be silent because my comments will affect for positive or negative on the decision of the judge for that I am not allowed, according to the constitution, to comment on the decisions taken by the court.”