Saddam turned over to Iraqis for trial of century

IRAQ'S new authorities took legal control of Saddam Hussein and 11 others in Baghdad yesterday, setting the stage for a court appearance for the former Iraqi dictator to face war crimes charges on his 24 years in power.

In a one-line statement, Prime Minister Iyad Allawi's office said that the Iraqis had assumed legal but not custodial control, "today, 30th June, at 10.15 in the morning".

The 12 defendants are expected to appear in court today for a formal reading of the charges.