Hailing the capture of Saddam Hussein as
a "positive development," United Nations Secretary-General Kofi
Annan today called for international norms of justice to prevail in trials
against Iraqi criminals.
"Saddam Hussein has cast a rather
long shadow over developments and over the transition process," Mr.
Annan noted in comments to the press as he arrived at UN Headquarters in
New York. "With his capture, that shadow has been removed, and I hope
this will help us move ahead with the transition period and also accelerate
the process of reconciliation and attempts to establish a provisional Iraqi
government that is inclusive and transparent."
Noting that the former Iraqi leader has been accused of "heinous crimes including gross and systematic violations of human rights and international humanitarian law," Mr. Annan emphasized that "all those responsible for these crimes should be brought to account."
"I believe this should be done through open trials in properly established courts of law which will respect basic international norms and standards, including respect for international humanitarian law," he said.
Responding to press questions, he repeated that whatever court is set up must meet basic international standards. "If in doing that one needs to get help from our side I think we should be considered," he said, adding, "I've been encouraged by assurance given by the [United States] President and other senior members of the Administration that Saddam Hussein would be treated humanely, even though this is the treatment he in the past did not accord those who fell into his hands."
To a question on whether the capture would bring the UN back to Iraq, the Secretary-General replied, "the only thing that will hasten the UN's return is the establishment of a secure environment, and if the capture of Saddam Hussein leads to that development it will be helpful."
Once the occupation has ended, Mr. Annan noted, violence and should decrease. "Most people realize that Saddam was out of the game, that he wasn't going to come back."
Meanwhile, members of the Security Council today welcomed the capture of Saddam Hussein and supported a statement issued by Mr. Annan's spokesman on Sunday calling the event "an important development."
"Council members look forward to the presentation tomorrow of the Secretary-General's report by the Secretary-General and the statement of Iraqi Foreign Minister Zebari, who will also join the session," the President of the 15-member body, Ambassador Stefan Tafrov of Bulgaria, told reporters.