Thursday, October 20 2005 13:10 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Washington: Hailing the war crimes trial of toppled Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein as 'an important step' in building a democratic Iraq, the US has hoped that it will help bring 'some closure' to the 'dark past' of the Gulf State for its people.

"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," White House Press Secretary Scott McClellan told reporters here yesterday (Oct 19, 2005) when asked about the trial.

"This is an important step in building a democratic Iraq that is based on the rule of law. And the trial is another symbol that the rule of law is returning to Iraq," he said.

The Iraqi people established the special tribunal, which besides looking at crimes against humanity and war crimes, set up some standards based on international law, he noted.

McClellan said, "We hope, that this trial will help bring some closure to Iraq's dark past for the Iraqi people. This is a time to keep the victims and their families in our thoughts. The Iraqi people suffered greatly under Saddam Hussein's brutal regime.

"And this is the first case that is proceeding forward relating to the village of Dujail, where hundreds of villagers were rounded up and tortured and executed," he said.

Asked whether, as far as President George W Bush is concerned, Saddam Hussein is getting a fair trial, McClellan said, "Well, they've begun the process, and they've put in place all these standards, and we want to see them continue to move forward on that path. It's the Iraqi people who are deciding his fate."