Meanwhile a number of European nations are opposing the execution of Saddam Hussein.

• Italian Prime Minister Romano Prodi: “Full clear opinion that Italy is against the death penalty and so, even in such a dramatic case as Saddam Hussein we still think that the death penalty must not be put in action.”

British Prime Minister Tony Blair addressed the issue on Monday.

• Tony Blair: “As I have already said, we are against the death penalty — I mean, we’re against the death penalty, whether it’s Saddam or anybody else — however what I think is important about this is to recognize that this trial of Saddam which has been handled by the Iraqis themselves and they will take the decision about this.”