Iraqi foreign minister Hoshyar Zebari says credibility at stake in Saddam trial

Iraqi Foreign Minister Hoshyar Zebari said Monday that his government's credibility is at stake in the trial of Saddam Hussein and that the judgment should be "fair and just." Zebari spoke after meeting with his French counterpart, Philippe Douste-Blazy, in Paris.

The Iraqi minister said his country was doing its utmost to ensure the former dictator's trial takes place in "the greatest transparency and justice." Douste-Blazy called the trial, which resumed Monday, "the opportunity for the Iraqi people to shine the light on all the crimes and injustices that are attributed to him."

The two ministers also said they were finalizing an accord in which France would forgive Iraqi debt, the AP reported. Iraq is preparing for parliamentary elections next month. Zebari said that vote would be "essential and decisive" for the country's future.

A.M.