CAIRO - The Arab League described Saturday's execution of ousted Iraqi president Saddam Hussein as a "tragic end" to his regime, and expressed hope it would not lead to further conflict.
"The execution of former Iraqi president Saddam Hussein represents a tragic end to the former Iraqi regime," the 22-member bloc's spokesman, Alaa Rushdi, told Egypt's official MENA news agency.
He said the bloc hoped that "the carrying out of the execution will not contribute to further deterioration in the security situation in Iraq."
Rushdie stressed the need to "preserve the unity of Iraq and the continuation of reconciliation efforts between Iraqi parties so that Iraq can come out of the current crisis."
Saddam was executed in Baghdad at dawn Saturday as Muslims began celebrating the Eid al-Adha festival (feast of sacrifice).
12/30/2006 14:05 GMT