Bush in no hurry to turn over Saddam
Last Updated Tue, 15 Jun 2004 14:24:19
BAGHDAD - Saddam Hussein will remain in U.S. custody until U.S. President George W. Bush is satisfied that the Iraqi government has enough security in place to hold him.
"I want to make sure that when sovereignty is transferred, Saddam Hussein stays in jail," Bush told a news conference on Tuesday at the White House.
U.S. officials are working with the incoming Iraqi government on the terms of handing over Saddam and making sure there is "appropriate security," Bush said.
Iraq's interim Prime Minister Iyad Allawi earlier said that Saddam and thousands of prisoners being held by U.S. forces would be handed over to Iraq by the end of the month.
The Pentagon has said as many as 1,400 detainees will be released or transferred to Iraqi authorities.
In an interview with Al-Jazeera television, Allawi said "all the detainees will be transferred to the Iraqi authorities and the transporting operation will be done within the two coming weeks."
"Saddam and the others will be delivered to the Iraqis," he said, adding "you can consider this an official confirmation."
Allawi said Saddam will stand trial "as soon as possible," but did not give a specific time.
Saddam has been in U.S. custody at an undisclosed location since his capture in December near Tikrit.
http://www.cbc.ca/stories/2004/06/15/world/saddam040615