Hugh congratulations Coalition forces

HUGH WELCOMES CAPTURE OF SADDAM HUSSEIN BUT WARNS OF DIFFICULTIES AHEAD

Hugh Robertson has welcomed the capture of Saddam Hussein. Hugh fought against Saddam’s army as a member of a tank regiment during the 1991 Gulf War.

Hugh said: “I wholeheartedly welcome the capture of Saddam Hussein. It is extremely good news and all those involved in the operation deserve our congratulations and gratitude.

“However, I would caution against too much triumphalism. Difficult days lie ahead. Three areas give me particular cause for concern.

“Firstly, I suspect that the capture of Saddam Hussein may do little to lessen the security threat in Iraq. As far as I can see, many of those responsible come from outside the country so will not be affected and those loyal to Saddam will want to prove that they have not been defeated. The situation may actually worsen.

“Secondly, the trial must be fair and be conducted to internationally accepted standards. This will be extremely difficult given the lack of experience in the Iraqi judiciary. However, the principle that he is tried in Iraq by the Iraqi people is wholly right.

“Thirdly, it may not help the search for WMD. Saddam Hussein will, almost certainly, deny their existence. He must be forced to explain what happened to the chemical weapons he used in the Iran/Iraq war and against the Kurds at Halabja.

“However, his capture remains a very welcome boost for both the coalition and, indeed, the Iraqis at a difficult time.