In a highly cautious reaction to execution of Saddam Hussein, United Nations senior envoy in Iraq said the world body opposes capital punishment as also impunity for crimes against humanity but also understands the desire for justice among the people in the country.
"The United Nations stands firmly against impunity and understands the desire for justice felt by many Iraqis," Ashraf Qazi said in the only reaction available from the world body.
The world body's headquarters was closed on Saturday and the statement of Qazi was posted on its website.
"Based on the principle of respect for the right to life, however, the United Nations remains opposed to capital punishment, even in the case of war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide," he said.
No immediate reaction was available from outgoing Secretary-General Kofi Annan or incoming incumbent Ban Ki-moon. Annan, however, did issue a statement on the sinking of a ferry in Indonesia.