'Credibility of Iraq Govt at stake in Saddam's trial'

Iraqi Foreign Minister Hoshyar Zebari said that government's credibility is at stake in this trial and that the judgment should be "fair and just."

Iraqi Foreign Minister Hoshyar Zebari said that his government's credibility is at stake in the trial of Saddam Hussein and that the judgment should be "fair and just."

HT Image

Zebari spoke after meeting with his French counterpart, Philippe Douste-Blazy, in Paris, on Monday. The Iraqi minister said his country was doing its utmost to ensure the former dictator's trial takes place in "the greatest transparency and justice."

"This trial is very important for the security and political situation in Iraq," he told reporters. "We want a fair and just judgment because our credibility is at stake."

Douste-Blazy called the trial, which resumed on Monday, "the opportunity for the Iraqi people to shine the light on all the crimes and injustices that are attributed to him."

The two ministers also said they were finalising an accord in which France would forgive Iraqi debt.

Iraq is preparing for parliamentary elections next month. Zebari said that vote would be "essential and decisive" for the country's future.