OTTAWA, Dec. 30 (Xinhua) -- Canada reacted to the execution of Iraq's former leader Saddam Hussein by expressing hopes that peace and prosperity will be achieved in the country.

    "Canada joins other nations in supporting the desire of Iraq's leaders and citizens for peaceful and prosperous future," Foreign Affairs Minister Peter MacKay said in a one-line statement Saturday.

    The Prime Minister's Office has had no response.

    The Iraqi government executed the former leader by hanging at dawn on Saturday.