The Algerian government said Sunday it regretted the execution of Saddam Hussein and hoped the hanging of the former Iraqi president would not lead to increased levels of violence in Iraq.

"Algeria regrets the execution of former President Saddam Hussein on Eid al-Adha, a sacred day ... of clemency and generosity for all of the Arab and Muslim world," the government said in a statement. Saddam's execution Saturday coincided with Eid al-Adha, the most important holiday on the Islamic calendar, which began Saturday for Sunni Muslims.

In the statement, the North African country said it "hopes this development will not add to an increase in the violence and the tragic ordeals that the Iraqi people are living."

Algeria regrets execution of Saddam Hussein