Originally published by the Voice of America (www.voanews.com).
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December 31, 2007

Some Iraqis Mark Anniversary of Saddam Execution
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http://enews.voanews.com/t?ctl=1AC1C73:A6F02AD83191E160FDB6BB66BC96F64D3CF5CDEF8FC051DA& Saddam loyalists
gathered at his grave in Ouja, the deposed dictator's birthplace,
while security forces in the nearby city of Tikrit prepared for any
demonstrations





Iraqi children gather outside the tomb of Saddam Hussein near Tikrit
as mourners gathered to mark anniversary of his execution, 30 Dec
2007Small groups of mourners gathered at the grave of deposed Iraqi
leader Saddam Hussein to mark Sunday's first anniversary of his
execution.

Saddam loyalists visited his grave in Ouja, the deposed dictator's
birthplace. Walls in the nearby city of Tikrit were marked by fresh
graffiti honoring the dead leader.

The U.S. military says it has not noted any increase in violence
attributed to the anniversary.

Saddam was ousted from power in 2003 by a U.S.-led coalition. An Iraqi
court later sentenced him to death for the killing of Shi'ite
civilians in 1982.

Iraqi security forces have been on high alert in some places for the
anniversary.

The village of Dawr, just south of Tikrit, where Saddam was captured
hiding in a hole four years ago, is under indefinite curfew.







Iraq's PM Nouri al-MalikiIn other news, the office of Iraqi Prime
Minister Nouri al-Maliki says results from a medical exam he underwent
in London were good and reassuring. It says he is to have more tests
Monday.

Mr. Maliki's office said he left Baghdad Saturday for a check up and
treatment for exhaustion.

Some information for this report provided by AP, AFP and Reuters.


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