The U.S. has not yet decided when it will hand over Saddam Hussein for trial, contradicting statements made by an Iraqi official regarding an agreement for his transfer before the sovereignty handover to Iraqis on June 30. Richard Boucher, spokesperson for the U.S. State Department, told reporters on Tuesday that the U.S. has not made a decision on when to deliver the former Iraqi dictator for trial. Boucher reiterated the U.S. position, stating that Washington will deliver Saddam Hussein in due time. The spokesperson was responding to comments made by Salem Chalabi, head of the Iraqi War Crimes Tribunal, who spoke in Kuwait on Tuesday, stating that the coalition had agreed to transfer Saddam Hussein and about 100 other officials from the former regime to Iraqis before the power transfer on June 30. Chalabi, a U.S.-educated attorney and nephew of Ahmad Chalabi, a member of the Iraqi Governing Council, is in Kuwait to gather evidence against suspected individuals. Iraq, under Saddam Hussein's leadership, occupied its neighbor Kuwait in August 1990. Saddam Hussein has been held since his capture in December of the previous year at an undisclosed U.S. detention facility in Iraq.
The U.S. Has Not Yet Decided When to Hand Over Saddam Hussein for Trial - 2004-05-12
The U.S. has not made a decision on when to transfer Saddam Hussein for trial, despite claims from Iraqi officials that it would happen before the sovereignty handover on June 30. Richard Boucher from the U.S. State Department emphasized that the handover will occur in due time. This situation is significant as it reflects ongoing tensions and the complexities of Iraq's political transition post-Saddam.
👥 Key Players
📰 What Happened
The U.S. has not decided when to transfer Saddam Hussein for trial, despite claims from Iraqi officials that it would occur before the sovereignty handover on June 30. U.S. officials emphasized that the handover will happen in due time.
- Saddam Hussein has been held since his capture in December 2003.
- Salem Chalabi claimed there was an agreement for the transfer of Saddam and other officials before the June 30 handover.
💡 Why It Matters
📚 Background
Saddam Hussein's regime was known for its brutal repression and aggression, particularly against Iran and Kuwait. His capture marked a pivotal moment in Iraq's post-war reconstruction.
🏷️ Entities Mentioned
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