Britain, a country known for its stand against capital punishment, said on Saturday that former Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein's [Images] execution 'held him to account'. However, it opposed the use of the death penalty, as Foreign Secretary Margaret Beckett reiterated that Britain does not support capital punishment 'anywhere'.

Another country opposed to the death penalty, France [Images], hoped that after this execution, Iraq could attain 'national unity'. A statement from the foreign ministry added that France, like other European nations, calls for abolition of capital punishment.

In a low-key reaction, Pakistan described the execution of former Iraqi President Saddam Hussain as a "sad event" which was a "poignant reminder" of the violence that gripped Iraq.

"The execution of former President Saddam Hussein, which can only be described as a sad event, is another poignant reminder of the violence that continues to grip Iraq," a statement issued by the Pakistan foreign office said.

We hope that this event would not further exacerbate the security situation. It remains our earnest hope to see peace, stability and reconciliation so that people of Iraq regain control of their affairs in a secure environment," it said.

"Hussein's execution is not only a grave violation of human rights but also a glaring example of the US' double standards on the issues of human rights and democracy," a statement issued by Nepal Maoist spokesman Krishna Bahadur Mahara said.

"The CPN-M condemns the decision by the puppet government in Iraq to execute Saddam Hussein," it said.

"Regardless of who killed whom, the act is against international humanitarian law and against the fundamental right to life," the statement added.

Japan [Images], which, like its close ally, the US, practises the death penalty, said since 'the execution was based on rule of law, we respect it'.

A similar reaction came from Australia [Images], which called the execution significant, though it does not support capital punishment.

While Iran welcomed the execution, calling it 'a victory', Russia [Images] warned that the development will cause more violence.

Expressing suprise at the execution despite international censure, Malaysia also cautioned that 'the conflict (in Iraq) is not likely to end' and that the execution was 'not the answer'.

The ruling Hamas in Palestine called the execution 'a political assassination, which violates all international laws'. Israel, however, said that 'justice has been done'.

Afghanistan President Hamid Karzai [Images], on the other hand, stressed that Saddam's execution was 'an internal matter' and wished Iraqi people 'peace and prosperity'.

The Vatican, however, in a strong statement, said the execution was 'tragic and could feed vengeance'. Stressing that the Catholic church is against death penalty, a Vatican spokesman called Saddam's hanging 'reason for sadness'.

National mourning for three days has been declared in Libya, which called Saddam 'a prisoner of war' and also cancelled all festivities for the upcoming Eid Al Adha festival.