US helps with evidence

2004-07-01 22:02

Washington - The United States is helping to gather evidence for the Iraqi Special Tribunal, where Saddam Hussein has been charged, as part of an international effort to restore justice in the war-torn nation, the state department said on Thursday.

"I would say that we are working with NGOs and others to help compile and share information that we have been able to collect pertaining to matters under consideration by the court," Adam Ereli, the department's deputy spokesperson, told reporters.

"This is a process that has been going on for some time and will continue for some time," he said after Iraq's interim government, three days after taking power, launched judicial proceedings against former dictator Saddam and 11 of his chief lieutenants.

Ereli said Iraqi officials were currently drafting rules of procedures and evidence for the tribunal, set up just three days before the ousted president's capture in December.

"Some investigations have begun, but they are certainly a far way, I think, from collecting everything they need to have," he said. "That process is going to take some time."

But Ereli stressed that the United States was not intervening in the Iraqi judicial process, likening Saddam's case as "Iraqis judging Iraqis."

Through its justice department, the US is spearheading global assistance to build the Iraqi judicial system.

Ereli said a crimes adviser and staff were working with Iraqi counterparts to support the tribunal, to which the US had contributed $75m in funding, including for investigations into crimes of Saddam's regime.

Asked why the US should get involved in gathering evidence against Saddam if it wanted Iraqis to run their own affairs, he said it was common practice for Washington and others, including the UN, to help establish special tribunals wanting to try ex-leaders.

He said the principles that would eventually guide the Iraqi tribunal guaranteed a fair trial for Saddam and his men.

"There is a recognition by all involved that this process and its conclusion needs to be seen as fair, transparent and equitable, and that is what everyone is very mindful of," he added.

- AFP