'Trial of Saddam, aides to begin within weeks'

"Saddam Hussein and his band will stand trials within a period of weeks," Daoud told a news conference in Kuwait City after talks with top officials.

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, Daoud added.

Asked if the United States would play a role in the trials, he said: "We have barred the Iraqi government from playing a role, how can we allow a foreign faction to have a role in Saddam Hussein's trial? No ... Saddam Hussein will be tried by the Iraqi judiciary and it will issue its just sentence against him."

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.