Saddam to be charged thursday

[Cannikin]

BAGHDAD, Iraq - Iraq's Prime Minister Iyad Allawi said Tuesday that Saddam Hussein will be transferred to Iraqi legal custody and face charges before an Iraqi court this week -- but will remain in a U.S.-run jail for now because his government does not have a suitable prison.

Allawi promised an open proceeding when Saddam faces war crimes charges, including genocide. Eleven other "high-value detainees" also are expected to face justice, he told reporters during his first news conference since the U.S.-led coalition handed over sovereignty to his government on Monday.

"I know I speak for my fellow countrymen when I say I look forward to the day former regime leaders face justice," he said.

Saddam will be transferred to Iraqi legal custody on Wednesday and face arraignment before an Iraqi judge on Thursday, Allawi said.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/5323918/

[Cannikin]

1. kick