World Leaders React to Saddam's Capture

Here's the reactions of several world leaders to the capture of Saddam Hussein.

New Zealand Prime Minister Helen Clark

The New Zealand Government does not support the death penalty in any circumstances, nor does New Zealand legislation, and I won't make an exception, even for someone as gross as Saddam Hussein.

Interpretation: New Zealand is Leftist and I am Leftist and nothing that happens in the world is going to change that.

German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder

Saddam Hussein caused horrible suffering to his people and the region. I hope the capture will help the international community's effort to rebuild and stabilise Iraq.

Interpretation: Award contracts to Germany now.

Russian Foreign Minister Igor Ivanov

We think the arrest of Saddam Hussein will contribute to the strengthening of security in Iraq and to the process of political regulation in the country with the active participation of the United Nations.

Interpretation: We want the UN to be in control so that we can get contracts to rebuild Iraq now.

Former UN chief weapons inspector Hans Blix

He ought to know quite a lot and be able to tell the story and we all want to get to the bottom of the barrel.

Interpretation: He ought to know something.

Syrian Information Minister Ahmad al-Hassan

Syria's position on Iraq is not based on the fate of individuals. We want an Iraq that preserves its territorial integrity, its unity and its sovereignty.

Interpretation: We don't care just as long as the US doesn't send their tanks to Syria.

Japan's Chief Cabinet Secretary Yasuo Fukuda

I believe it is too optimistic to think that activities by the remnants of the Hussein regime and foreign terrorists, who have launched terrorist attacks in Iraq and elsewhere, would stop just because of his arrest.

Interpretation: Big deal. Nothing's changed.

Once the verbiage is boiled down to the essentials, it becomes much easier to understand their messages.