Syrian information minister statement on capturing Saddam

Syria's Information Minister Ahmad al-Hasan, commenting on the capture of the former Iraqi President Saddam Hussein, said Sunday that Syria's opinion regarding Iraq wouldn't be expressed through individuals.

He added that "we wish for Iraq to preserve its territorial and public integrity, hoping that Iraqis achieve their sovereignty, and end the occupation paving the way, as soon as possible, to select their free and independent government."

He said Syria hopes the government, which represents all kinds of Iraqi groups, "can ensure the stability and security on the Iraqi land, and that Iraq will restore its active role in the region, liberated from any occupying authority that hinders its free will," al-Hasan concluded.