Iraq denies has taken custody of Saddam from US

BAGHDAD, Dec 29 (Reuters) Iraq's Justice Ministry today denied that it had taken custody of Saddam Hussein from the US military and said the former president would not be executed for at least a month.

Asked about a comment from a defence lawyer that Saddam had been handed over to Iraqi authorities, a senior Justice Ministry official told Reuters: ''This is not true. He is still with the Americans.'' He added that the ministry, which is in charge of punishments, would not execute Saddam before January 26.

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