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London: Describing the capture of Saddam Hussein as "very good news", British Prime Minister Tony Blair today (Dec 14, 2003) said the ousted Iraqi dictator "has gone from power" and the nightmare of his return is removed.

In a brief 10-Downing Street appearance and earlier statement, Blair, the closest ally of US in its invasion of Iraq to depose Hussein eight months ago, said the shadow of Saddam has finally lifted from the Iraqi people.

"Saddam has gone from power, he won't be coming back," he told reporters at his office. "We give thanks for that but let this be more than a cause simply for rejoicing."

"Where his rule meant terror and division and brutality, let his capture bring about unity, reconciliation and peace between all the people of Iraq," he said.

He said Iraqi people could now trust that Saddam's brutal rule was truly over.

"That the Iraqi people now know, and it is they who will decide his fate," Blair said.

In an earlier statement confirming Saddam's capture, Blair said, "I very much welcome the capture last night of Saddam Hussein."

"This is a 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."

Blair said the capture "gives an opportunity for Saddam to be tried in Iraqi courts for his crimes against the Iraqi people".

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

PTI

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