Saddam 'had time to commit suicide'

2003-12-14 14:21

Baghdad - Iraqi Governing Council member Ahmed Chalabi said ousted Iraqi president Saddam Hussein was on Sunday "captured without any resistance," and would be tried in public, according to Iraqi television.

"He was arrested without resistance and there was enough time for him before that to commit suicide if he wanted but he did not," Chalabi told Iraqi TV, adding that he had no further details.

"The nightmare that was haunting the Iraqi people has been lifted. Saddam is under arrest and he will be tried publicly and punished for his crimes," added Chalabi.

He predicted the daily attacks, reportedly masterminded and funded by Saddam, and targeting coalition forces and Iraqis, "will not stop right away, but the Iraqi people will sigh relief and the situation will improve eventually.

"The most important thing is that Saddam was arrested ... and those who were dreaming that Saddam or the Baath party will return to power will be disappointed, as the bad dream has come to an end."

- AFP