Slovak government disagreed with the execution of former Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein, though his regime committed many crimes, foreign ministry said in a statement on Saturday.

"The Slovak Republic has always clearly and resolutely condemned the crimes committed by the regime of Saddam Hussein, but it also rejects the death penalty in all cases and in all circumstances," spokesman of foreign ministry Skoda said.

Like other European Union countries, Slovakia does not use the death penalty.

Saddam Hussein was executed by hanging at dawn on Saturday. The former Iraqi president, who was ousted by a U.S.-led invasion in April 2003, was convicted of crimes against humanity for the killing of 148 Shiite villagers in Dujail after a failed

assassination attempt in 1982.

Source: Xinhua