Iraq bans visits to Saddam's gravesite

BAGHDAD, July 7 (UPI) -- The grave of former Iraqi President Saddam Hussein is now off-limits to organized visitors, the Iraqi government has declared.

The country's Cabinet issued the order Monday, telling local officials in the country's Salaheddin province and the Education Ministry to prevent outings to Saddam's grave near Tikrit north of Baghdad, CNN reported.

The move comes after Saddam's supporters have used the gravesite to mark the late dictator's birthday and the anniversary of his execution as a war criminal. The U.S. broadcaster said videos posted on YouTube showed Iraqi children carrying banners at the grave reading, "We won't forget you, father," and reciting poems praising Saddam.

The Iraqi government is concerned about the continuing presence in Iraq of Saddam's Ba'ath Party, which was banned by U.S. authorities after the 2003 invasion, CNN said.