US plays down hopes of quick trial

American officials say Iraqi leaders will have to curb their enthusiasm for a quick trial of Saddam Hussein – and a possible summer execution.

United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan said yesterday that the world body would not support bringing Saddam before a tribunal that might sentence him to death, and human rights groups were appalled at the rush to a trial they said was crucial to starting a healing process in the war-torn land.