BRASILIA, Dec 30: Brazil’s President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva on Saturday voiced mixed feelings over the execution of Iraqi former president Saddam Hussein, saying: “I don’t know if it was justice or revenge.”

“In any event, it will not end Iraq’s problems. I think the violence will continue,” Lula added after the United States and arch foe Iran both hailed Saddam’s execution for crimes against humanity.

European powers criticised the use of capital punishment while condemning the former dictator’s crimes.

Brazil’s leftist president warned US-led allied forces that: “Those who are occupying Iraq must be aware that that country will only be at peace when they allow the Iraqi people to resolve their own domestic differences.

“Iraq will only solve its problems when Iraqis make their own decisions, whether they are right or wrong, and have destiny in their own hands,” he added.—AFP