Saddam presses on with hunger strike

AMMAN - Saddam Hussein plans to pursue a 10-day hunger strike until his lawyers are adequately protected and a fair trial is ensured, his chief defence counsel said today.

"The strike has begun to have an effect on his health," Khalil Dulaimi told Reuters in Amman. He was speaking after meeting Saddam, 69, for the first time since the ousted Iraqi leader and three co-defendants went on hunger strike on July 7.

Dulaimi saw Saddam on Monday in a high-security facility near Baghdad airport. He said Saddam's morale remained high but declined to elaborate on details of his health.

"We are worried about his health but there is no option for us but to respect his decision to continue the strike until the defence demands are met," Dulaimi said.

The US military has confirmed that Saddam, whose trial for crimes against humanity resumes in a week, has been refusing food since eating dinner on the evening of July 7.

The US military said three co-defendants whom it did not identify were joining him in the strike but contrary to defence allegations Saddam was in good health despite refusing meals.

Dulaimi said Saddam and the three defendants were adamant about the demands for stepped up security for the Iraqi lawyers and their families after a third advocate was killed in Baghdad last month since the trial began in October.

Dulaimi blames Shi'ite death squads for the killings.

Ending the strike was also tied to their broader demands for a fair trial without interference or intimidation, Dulaimi said.

"Along with better protection for lawyers and their families the president wants the court to commit itself to the conditions of a fair trial according to international law," Dulaimi said.

Three senior Baath party followers are on trial with Saddam, along with four minor party officials.

Dulaimi said Saddam was drinking coffee and tea and denied US military comments he was taking water with nutrients.

- REUTERS