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German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder, who opposed the U.S.-led war, wrote to George W. Bush saying: "With great happiness I have learnt of the capture of Saddam Hussein. I congratulate you on the successful mission. "Saddam Hussein has brought unspeakable suffering over his own people and the whole region. I hope that with his capture the efforts of the international community to the reconstruction and stabilization of Iraq will be furthered."

A statement from French President Jacques Chirac, who was also against the war, said: "The president is delighted with Saddam Hussein's arrest. "It is a major event that would strongly contribute to the democratization and stabilization of Iraq and allow Iraqis to find again the control of their destiny in a sovereign Iraq."

French Foreign Minister Dominique de Villepin added: "The page of the Iraqi dictatorship is thus turned."

UK Prime Minister Tony Blair -- Bush's main ally -- said: "This is very good news for the people of Iraq. It removes the shadow that has been hanging over them for too long of the nightmare of a return to the Saddam regime. This fear is now removed."

Spanish Prime Minister Jose Maria Aznar said it was "a great day for everyone" and for "stability in the world." In a statement on Spanish TV, he added: "Saddam was the cause of all of the poverty in Iraq. From now on, terrorist groups are closer to being defeated."
Iraqi Foreign Minister Hoshyar Zebari, in Paris, said Saddam's capture would have "a demoralizing effect" on his supporters and could result in a decrease in attacks on coalition targets in Iraq.
NATO Secretary General George Robertson said: "I have heard the news and greatly welcome it. I hope it will lead to greater stability for the people of Iraq."

George W. Bush met senior White House officials Sunday morning in the Oval Office to plan how to respond publicly.

Democratic presidential candidate and retired general Wesley Clark called for a "very public" war crimes trial.