Former Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein and his top aides will soon go on trial, according to the interim Iraqi government.
"Saddam Hussein and his band will stand trials within a period of weeks," Minister of State Kasim Daoud said yesterday.
He said he was referring to the US list of the 55 most wanted members of Saddam's administration, most of whom are either in custody or have been killed.
More time was needed to prepare the files of other junior officials accused of crimes against the Iraqi people as there were simply too many of them, he added.
In mid-August, interim Prime Minister Iyad Allawi urged an Iraqi court to speed up proceedings against Saddam. He said his US-backed government would do all it can to ensure the men get a fair trial.
Saddam was brought before a US-appointed judge on July 1st and charged with crimes against humanity. Several top aides also appeared separately before the same judge. Pending trial, they are being held in a secret location by US forces under Iraqi jurisdiction.