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London: The capture of deposed Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein by US forces was hailed as a great day by staunch allies of America, as well as world leaders opposed to the US-led invasion of Iraq, expressing the hope that it would bring stability and peace to the war-ravaged country.

British Prime Minister Tony Blair said Saddam's capture "removes the shadow" over the people of Iraq. "Where his rule meant terror and division and brutality, let his capture bring about unity, reconciliation and peace between all the people of Iraq."

Blair, who was America's strongest ally in the military campaign in Iraq weathering severe criticism at home, said, "We can put the past behind us," adding Saddam would be put on trial by an Iraqi court for his crimes against Iraqi people.

"I very much welcome the capture last night of Saddam Hussein," Blair said in a statement earlier released by his office.

The British Prime Minister urged the Sunni community in Iraq and former members of Saddam's Baath party to "grasp the opportunity for reconciliation."

The head of Iraq's interim Governing Council Abdul Aziz al-Haqim said in Madrid, "This is a big blow to terrorists in Iraq. It is a great day for humanity and Iraqi people."

France, Germany and Belgium – who had steadfastly opposed the US-led campaign in Iraq – joined the chorus of commending the capture of Saddam.

French President Jacques Chirac was "rejoicing in the arrest of Saddam Hussein", his spokeswoman Catherine Colonna said.

"It is a major event," Colonna said.

German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder sent a message to US President George W Bush, saying, "It is with great joy that I learned of the capture of Saddam Hussein, I congratulate you on this successful action."

Israeli President Moshe Katzav also expressed delight at Saddam's arrest, saying it served as a warning to sponsors of international terrorism.

"It is excellent news for Israel and is proof that the international community will not tolerate a totalitarian State, which backs international terrorism," Katsav told public radio.

PTI



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