Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD)

DATE=7/15/03

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

TITLE=IRAQ / WAR TRIBUNAL (S-O)

NUMBER=2-305432

BYLINE=ALISHA RYU

DATELINE=BAGHDAD

CONTENT=

VOICED AT:

/// EDS: UPDATES CR 2-305417 ///

INTRO: Iraq's new interim governing body has voted to establish a war crimes tribunal to try ousted Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein and his top associates. More from V-O-A Correspondent Alisha Ryu in Baghdad.

TEXT: A spokesman for one of the 25 governing council members told reporters Tuesday that bringing members of Saddam's deposed regime to justice is among the most pressing issues the two day old interim government is facing.

Entifadh Qanbar, who represents council member Ahmad Chalabi of the Iraqi National Congress, says the council is determined to try Saddam Hussein and other Baath Party leaders who are on the U-S most wanted list in a war crimes court and punish them. Mr. Qanbar did not say when the court might be established.

Also on Tuesday, the governing council announced that three of its members have been chosen to go to the United Nations headquarters in New York on July 22nd to represent the council as the legitimate authority in Iraq.

The governing council was established on Sunday. It is made up of prominent Iraqis from major political, ethnic and religious groups who will rule Iraq until national elections can be held. (SIGNED)

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