"I am against the death penalty for Saddam Hussein...

"I am against the death penalty for Saddam Hussein and the majority of Italians are also against it", said Italian Defence Minister, Antonio Martino, in answer to questions from reporters asking his opinion in this issue.
The press was there for the traditional exchange of Christmas greetings. Martino said: "I don't believe political authority gives the right to kill. What is important is that Saddam Hussein has a fair trial after which the Court will decide what punishment he deserves for his crimes".