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Russia warns of civil war

Vladimir Radyuhin

MOSCOW: Russia voiced regret over Saddam Hussein's execution and warned of a spiral of violence in Iraq.

"Regrettably, repeated calls by representatives of different nations and international organisations to the Iraqi authorities to refrain from capital punishment were not heard," said the Foreign Ministry. Iraq is sinking into violence and tottering on the brink of a large-scale civil conflict, said spokesman Mikhail Kamynin in remarks posted on the official website of the Foreign Ministry.

"Saddam Hussein's execution can trigger a further aggravation of the military and political situation and the rise of ethnic and sectarian tensions." Politicians and analysts said Mr. Hussein was hanged to prevent him from disclosing his secret deals with the West.

"When a well-informed person gets capital punishment, this always means that there is someone who wants to cover up his tracks," said Chairman of the Russian Parliament's Foreign Relations Committee Mikhail Margelov.

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