Related Event: Iraq in Transition

In Washington, White House spokesman Scott McClellan hailed the trial of Saddam Hussein as "another symbol that the rule of law is returning to Iraq." 


"Saddam Hussein is facing Iraqi justice. The Iraqi people are holding him accountable- accountable for the atrocities he committed against the Iraqi people and for the crimes he committed against humanity. This is an important step in building a democratic Iraq that is based on the rule of law."

He complimented coalition forces for capturing Hussein, turning him over to the Iraqis and setting the stage for the trail.
But he also indicated that the White House will not comment on whether Hussein is receiving a fair trial until the trial is over.