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Saddam's death may worsen situation in Iraq - Russian official

Other News Materials 30 December 2006 12:56 (UTC +04:00)

(RIA Novosti) - Saddam Hussein's execution may aggravate the military-political situation in Iraq and heighten ethnic tensions in the country, Russia's Foreign Ministry spokesman said Saturday.

Former Iraqi President Saddam Hussein was executed by hanging early Saturday.

"The situation in Iraq is heading into a worst-case scenario. The country is slipping into violence and is on the verge of a large-scale civil conflict. Saddam Hussein's death can further aggravate the military-political situation and increase ethnic and religious tensions," Mikhail Kamynin said.

He said Russia is ready to help reach a comprehensive settlement in Iraq both on the bilateral and multilateral basis, reports Trend.

Saddam Hussein was convicted last month of crimes against humanity and sentenced to death by hanging.

He was sentenced to death November 5 for the 1982 reprisal slayings of 148 Shiite Muslims from a town where assassins tried to kill the former Iraqi leader. The sentence was upheld on appeal December 26.

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