PM on Saddam Hussein's capture

PM on Saddam Hussein's capture

Prime Minister Tony Blair has said the arrest of Saddam Hussein 'removes the shadow' from over Iraq.

Read the statement in full below.

"I very much welcome the capture last night of Saddam Hussein.

"I pay tribute to the work of the Coalition intelligence and military forces in capturing him.

"This is very good news for the people of Iraq.

"It removes the shadow that has been hanging over them for too long of the nightmare of a return to the Saddam regime.

"This fear is now removed.

"It also gives an opportunity for Saddam to be tried in Iraqi courts for his crimes against the Iraqi people.

"And it gives us an opportunity to take a step forward in Iraq.

"In particular I appeal for the Sunni community and former Ba'athist officials to grasp the opportunity for reconciliation.

"We should try now to unite the whole of Iraq in rebuilding the country and offering it a new future."

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