New Delhi: The United Nations has reacted cautiously to the execution of Saddam Hussein.
In its response to the development on Saturday, the world body said while it is against death penalty wherever it is implemented in the world, it has voiced its understanding to the execution of deposed Iraqi president Saddam Hussein in view of the desire for justice of the majority of Iraqis.
"The United Nations stands firmly against impunity, and understands the desire for justice felt by the many Iraqis," Special Representative Ashraf Qazi, formerly a Pakistani envoy to the United States, said through a spokesman. Copies of his statement were made available later on Saturday at the UN Headquarters in New York.
"Based on the principle of respect for the right to life, however, the United Nations remains opposed to capital punishment, even in the case of war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide," it said.
There was, however, no immediate reaction from outgoing Secretary-General Kofi Annan or incoming incumbent Ban Ki-moon.
Annan did issue a statement on the sinking of a ferry in Indonesia, but avoided the Saddam issue.
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