Iraq president says Saddam verdict after all cases

BAGHDAD, Apr 4: Iraqi President Jalal Talabani today said he expected Saddam Hussein to stand trial for all cases filed against him before the court reaches a verdict.

''I believe the court is working on a plan whereby he will be tried for all the crimes then a verdict will be handed down,'' he told a news conference.

Saddam is currently on trial in connection with the killing of 148 Shi'ites in the village of Dujail after an attempt on his life there in 1982 and he faces charges in other cases, including genocide.

Each case could carry a death sentence if the former Iraqi president is found guilty.

The special tribunal trying Saddam is expected to make a major announcement at 1600 hrs ist.

A prosecutor in the special tribunal said Saddam could go on trial as early as next month on charges of genocide against the Kurds in what is known as the Anfal campaign.

REUTERS