Today's Date:

Statements made by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Spokesperson

I would like to read the statement made by Foreign Minister Philippe Douste-Blazy Sunday, November 5.

“France takes note of the sentence handed down by the Iraqi court at the close of Saddam Hussein’s trial. This decision belongs to the Iraqi people. In the current climate of violence in Iraq, I hope this decision will not lead to new tensions and that the Iraqis will show restraint, whatever community they belong to.

“With regard to the death sentence, France and the European Union have a constant position promoting its abolition.

“So together with our European partners we must shortly define the procedure for making this position known to the Baghdad authorities.”