Tariq Aziz

Iraq’s former Deputy Premier, for many years the public face of Saddam Hussein’s regime, has died in an Iraqi prison
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1936: Born into Christian family in village near Mosul. Studies English literature before career in journalism. Edits main Baath Party newspaper

1970s: Named information minister

1977: Joins Revolutionary Command Council – senior Baath committee ruling Iraq – becoming deputy prime minister in 1979

1980-88: Helps win U.S. support for Iraq in its war with Iran

1990: Recognisable figure in world media following invasion of Kuwait

1991: Famously refuses to accept letter from then U.S. President George Bush to Saddam, signalling inevitability of first Gulf War

2003: Gives himself up to U.S. forces two weeks after fall of Saddam

Oct 2010: Sentenced to death by Iraq’s Supreme Court for persecution of religious parties under Saddam’s rule

Jun 5, 2015: Dies aged 79
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Picture: Associated Press

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