Blair tight-lipped on Saddam execution
Tony Blair has refused to comment on the manner of Saddam Hussein’s execution.
When pressed on the issue, the prime minister side-stepped questions – adding that he would speak about the incident at a later date.
“I’ll find a way to talk about it but not today,” Mr Blair said.
The prime minister’s silence has puzzled commentators and drawn criticism from opposition parties, given that deputy prime minister John Prescott has already spoken out on the issue and foreign secretary Margaret Becket has also spoken out about the execution.
Speaking while Mr Blair was on holiday in Miami, Mr Prescott condemned the manner in which the former Iraqi dictator was executed.
“I think the manner was quite deplorable, really. I don’t think one can endorse in any way that, whatever your views about capital punishment,” Mr Prescott said.
The deputy prime minister said it was “totally unacceptable” for recordings, presumably including the two and a half minute mobile phone video currently circulating on the internet, to be made and said those responsible should be “ashamed”.
“Frankly, to get the kind of recorded messages coming out is totally unacceptable. I think whoever’s involved and responsible for it should be ashamed of themselves.”
Asked whether he was talking about the Iraqi government, he said only: “If they are responsible, I’ll pass my comments on and that’s where I stand.”
Ms Becket said after the execution: “The British government does not support the use of the death penalty, in Iraq or anywhere else. We advocate an end to the death penalty worldwide, regardless of the individual or the crime.
“We have made our position very clear to the Iraqi authorities, but we respect their decision as that of a sovereign nation.”
The foreign secretary continued: “Iraq continues to face huge challenges. But now it has a democratically-elected government which represents all communities and is committed to fostering reconciliation.
“We will continue to work with this government and with the Iraqi people to build security and prosperity for the future.”
However, Mr Blair is still refusing to comment, beyond saying he is in favour of an inquiry into the leaked video of the execution.
“I will talk about all those other issues next week but not today,” he said today.
Additionally, the government has said Mr Prescott’s comments on this issue were personal views.
Opposition parties have criticised the government’s silence.
Liberal Democrat leader Menzies Campbell commented: “The prime minister’s silence is more eloquent than anything he might have said.
“The shameful scenes at Saddam Hussein’s execution should be an embarrassment to everyone. Most of all they reflect the abject failure of the policies of the White House and Number 10 towards Iraq.
“Sooner or later Mr Blair will have to respond to these events.”
