Greece, Russia urge Iraq not to execute Hussien aide Tariq Aziz

Greek President Karolos Papoulias has urged Iraq not to carry out a death sentence against Tariq Aziz, 74, a close aide to late leader Saddam Hussein and a former foreign minister.

An Iraqi court sentenced Aziz on Tuesday to death by hanging. Papoulias asked the Iraqi President Jalal Talabani to intervene and "demonstrate the difference between the current democratic (Iraq) and the country's past." Earlier today, Russia's foreign minister called on the Iraqi government to consider Aziz's age and the state of his health, and to prevent the execution. (News Agencies)