Bush: Saddam trial is fair

2005-10-25 08:35

Washington - The trial of deposed Iraqi president Saddam Hussein is "fair" and must go ahead, US President George W Bush said on Monday.

Speaking in an interview with the Dubai-based Al Arabiya television, Bush said the Iraqi people needed the courage to proceed with the trial.

"The key thing is that there will be a fair trial, which is something he didn't give many of the thousands of people he killed," Bush said.

"I think the trial needs to go forward ... I think the people of Iraq would like to see Saddam Hussein tried for the crimes he committed," Bush said.

Saddam and seven co-defendants face charges related to the killing of 148 Shiites from the village of Dujail following a failed attempt there on the Iraqi leader's life in July 1982.

The defendants have all claimed their innocence.

Massacre

After the first day in court on October 19 the trial was adjourned until November 28, in part because several witnesses and people affected by the massacre were not present in the court, according to a Baghdad source.

Asked about the general elections planned for December in Iraq if the last week's vote in support of the constitution is confirmed, Bush said the US has no intention of interfering to determine the winners.

"The United States will not pick a winner. That's going to be up to the Iraqi people," Bush said.

"Our mission will be to encourage all people to participate in the process," he said.

- AFP