South African Government Calls for a Fair Trail for Saddam Hussein

The South African Government joins the international community in expressing its rejection of calls for the execution of former Iraqi President Saddam Hussein in line with dictates of our own constitution. Such calls will only serve to pre-empt the outcome of any trial that will be instituted against Saddam Hussein.

The challenge facing the international community is to ensure that Saddam is given a fair trial free from perceived or real political interference. In this context, the South African Government is of the view that the due process of international law must be allowed to take its full course, in line with international norms and standards.

The independence of the judiciary in determining the outcome of such a trial must be underlined. Any suggestion that the outcome is already pre-determined will only undermine the confidence of the people in the judiciary and notion of the rule of law.

The SA government reiterates its view that above the arrest of Saddam Hussein, more needs to be done to restore peace and security in Iraq. The escalating violence attests to the urgency of the need for the restoration of Iraqi sovereignty and transfer of power to the Iraqi people. Central to this process is the role of the UN.

Issued by Ronnie Mamoepa at 082-990-4853
Department of Foreign Affairs
P/Bag X152
Pretoria
0001
18 December 2003