Tariq aziz where is he now

It is a country, for all intents and purposes, in name only. I met with Aziz on a couple occasions. Besides a few thuggish security guards, we appeared to be the only ones there. Aziz behaved with insouciance, as though there was little to worry about.

He was dressed in a good suit and puffed on a long Cuban Cohiba cigar. Aziz, who chose his words very carefully, seemed to be hinting that the regime did still possess banned weapons. He just looked at her," said Zeinab, adding: "It is so sad that he had to go this way. Aziz, who was known for his black-rimmed glasses and love of cigars, first came to prominence while serving as foreign minister during the first Gulf War in As a Christian in a mainly Sunni Muslim government, he was not considered a member of Saddam Hussein's innermost circle.

But when Baghdad fell, his lack of influence was reflected in his lowly ranking as the eight of spades in the US military's famous "deck of cards" used to identify the most-wanted players in Saddam's regime. Tariq Aziz was one of the most visible of Saddam Hussein's lieutenants and, it seems, one of the most loyal.

He frequently represented Iraq on the international stage, speaking fluent English and giving a monstrous regime an urbane, often charming face. And like Saddam, he was often seen puffing on fat Cuban cigars.

When Iraq found itself in dock, as it did after its invasion of Kuwait in , it invariably fell to Tariq Aziz to explain Saddam's actions to an exasperated world.

He did it doggedly, often infuriatingly, for decades. But even as he was ordered executed, Aziz gained a powerful diplomatic ally. The Vatican asked that Aziz's life be spared, saying mercy would encourage reconciliation and the rebuilding of peace and justice in Iraq.

The Vatican's plea picked up support among several other European diplomats from nations that also oppose the death penalty — though few had made much pressure to stop earlier executions of other, Muslim members of Saddam's regime. Aziz's wife, Violet, and two sons, Ziad and Saddam, who live in Jordan and survive him, had lobbied he be allowed medical treatment outside Iraq.

Ziad Aziz said his father had long suffered from diabetes and high blood pressure, but his health took a turn for the worse shortly before the invasion. Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies. Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later?

Start your Independent Premium subscription today. Tariq Aziz was effectively head of the Iraqi government during Saddam's premiership. Already subscribed? Log in. Forgotten your password? Want an ad-free experience? Very Sad.. Imtiaz Ali Khan. Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi rajioon. Saoud Ahmed. Rest in peace Sir. Man who gave Pakistan television a spirit back in late 90s and early Jamil Kaludi. Sad day for Pakistan, a legend is gone, but he will always live in our hearts. Dekhti Aankhoon aur Sunte Kanoo ko alwidah!

I was fortunate to see him in 3rd grade in the studios of PTV Karachi when we were participating in a children's show, and he was waiting to do the weather show, I remembered, he came and said hello to all the children in such kind manner, I do not remember the name of the children's show, but I clearly remember him, such are legends. Erum Aziz. A Great man has left. Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji'un. Aloo kachaloo. Rest In Peace Tariq you truly were a gem you will be missed thank you for your service to Pakistan and Urdu language.

Atif Amin. Very sad news. Another icon of our childhood passed away. May his soul rest in peace and his dear ones get courage to bear the irreparable loss. Ibrar Ali Jakhrani. RIP legend and favorite of all. Has been watching him since childhood and Just a few minutes ago I watched his an old interview in Muzzaq Raat.

Inna nillahe Wa Inna elahe rajaoon. Thank you for the beautiful memories. We spent our childhood watching his show. He always started his show by giving a general public message to become a civilized citizen, but we always ignored. What unfortunate we are. Every soul will taste death. Taj Ahmad. Tariq Aziz was a true Pakistani, a great human being, soft spoken, famous films and tv personality of Pakistan, very good characteristic family man and lots more to his credit in Neelam Ghar and Tariq Aziz Show for over 40 years on Pakistan Television and films industry.

RIP to this great person in our present time, Ameen. Rest In Peace! A great soul and a true Pakistani icon. Umar Makhdumi. A very big loss. He had become a cultural icon of Pakistan because of his versatile roles as a compere, actor, legislator, poet, writer and what not. A person of history. Pak lover. RIP, we have lost an era of knowledge. Mohsin Abbas. Maybe the first super star in Pakistan Television.

Inna lillahe wa inna ilehe rajiun.