Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki has threatened to "review" ties with states which have criticized the execution of Saddam Hussein, saying the hanging was an internal matter.
"The Iraqi government could be obliged to review its relations with any state that fails to respect the wish of the Iraqi people," said Maliki. "We consider the execution of the dictator an internal affair that concerns only the Iraqi people," said Maliki, speaking at a ceremony on the 86th anniversary of the Iraqi army.
According to AFP, Maliki lashed out at those who criticized the execution. "We find that this conduct is inciting sedition and flagrant interference in the internal affairs of Iraq and abuses feelings of the families of the victims," Maliki noted.
Maliki insisted Saddam's hanging was not a political act. "The execution of the despot was not a political decision as suggested by the enemies of Iraqi people," Maliki said. "The decision was implemented after a just trial which the dictator did not deserve as the crimes he committed against the people, the country and its institutions were disgraceful."
Maliki said the authorities would not hesitate to carry out court sentences against other officials of the ousted regime. "We will go ahead in applying the law against those who abused the Iraqi people and whose hands are stained with the blood of innocents," he said.
