Bid to save Saddam’s life

CAIRO – Supporters of Saddam Hussein are trying to negotiate with the United States a halt to attacks in return for a pledge that the former Iraqi leader will not be executed, Iraq’s president was yesterday quoted as saying.

Jalal Talabani said in an interview with Egypt’s al-Ahram newspaper that supporters of Saddam, ousted by US-led forces in 2003, were among those behind insurgent attacks in Iraq. “Despite that, the Saddamists are trying now to negotiate with the Americans on stopping the operations in exchange for not executing Saddam in the trial which is about to start,” Talabani said.Iraq’s special tribunal, the court set up to try Saddam, confirmed on Monday that the former president would be tried on Oct.19 for crimes against humanity, but said it had the right to delay the trial.Saddam faces execution if found guilty.- Nampa-Reuters”Despite that, the Saddamists are trying now to negotiate with the Americans on stopping the operations in exchange for not executing Saddam in the trial which is about to start,” Talabani said.Iraq’s special tribunal, the court set up to try Saddam, confirmed on Monday that the former president would be tried on Oct.19 for crimes against humanity, but said it had the right to delay the trial.Saddam faces execution if found guilty.- Nampa-Reuters