France wishes that the death of the two sons of Saddam Hussein will contribute to the return of stability in Iraq, Foreign Ministry Deputy Spokeswoman Cecile Pozzo-di-Borgo said in Paris Wednesday.

"It is a new page that is turned concerning the Saddam Hussein regime. We wish that it (the death of Saddam's sons) will contribute to the return of stability in Iraq," said the deputy spokeswoman.

Uday and Qusay, Saddam's two sons, were killed Tuesday when some 200 US soldiers backed by helicopters launched a fierce attack on a building, in which they were believed to be hiding, in the northern city of Mosul.

As Saddam's most likely successors, Qusay headed Saddam's security and intelligence apparatus, while Uday commanded the Fedayeen militia.

(Xinhua News Agency July 24, 2003)