Bush: Public trial essential
2003-12-15 20:29
Washington - President George W Bush said on Monday that Saddam Hussein will be put on trial in a manner to be determined in conjunction with Iraqis whom the former dictator brutalized across three decades of rule.
"We will work with Iraqis to develop a way to try him that will withstand international scrutiny," Bush said at a year-end news conference.
Asked whether he favours Saddam's execution, Bush said his own personal views don't matter.
"There needs to be a public trial and all the atrocities need to come out and justice needs to be delivered," he said.
Saddam was captured on Saturday by US troops who found him in a one-man hole in the ground beneath a small walled compound. The dictator surrendered meekly, and is being held by American troops.
"Good riddance. The world is better off without you,
Mr Saddam Hussein," the president said.
Bush opened his meeting with reporters by declaring that the weekend capture of the former Iraqi dictator was clear evidence that Iraq is "on the path to freedom." But he also warned of "further sacrifice" ahead on the part of American troops stationed there.
"The terrorists in Iraq remain dangerous. The work of our coalition remains difficult and will require further sacrifice," Bush said.
"Yet it should now be clear to all. Iraq is on the path to freedom."
- AP