Unofficial translation from Russian

Question: What can you say with regard to media reports about the handing over of former Iraqi President Saddam Hussein to the new Iraqi authorities for his trial?

Commentary: Indeed, Iraqi Prime Minister Iyad Allawi has said that in response to an official request from the Iraqi side former Iraqi President Saddam Hussein is being transferred on June 30 to the legal custody of the Interim Government of Iraq, after which a procedure of judicial prosecution will formally be launched against him. Allawi gave an assurance that the trial of Saddam on charges against humanity will be based on the principles of an independent court and the supremacy of law, the person under investigation will be given the right to use the services of lawyers.

Moscow has always presumed that the Iraqi people should themselves determine the fate of the ex-leader of Iraq. Having said that, it is important that Saddam's fate should be decided in accordance with the rules of law, proceeding from the interests of ensuring stability and national reconciliation so necessary for the further advancement of Iraq along the road of building an integral and democratic state.

June 30, 2004