U.S., Allawi at Odds Over Saddam Trial

[Rose Siding]

BAGHDAD, Iraq -- Worsening security, legal complexities and the lack of an Iraqi lawyer willing to represent Saddam Hussein make it impossible for the ousted dictator and 11 others to stand trial any time soon, a U.S. official involved with the tribunal said Friday.

While refusing to provide a possible date for the trials, the official all but dismissed a recent statement by Prime Minister Ayad Allawi that they could start as early as October.

The official, briefing foreign reporters on condition of anonymity, did not rule out the possibility the trials may not begin for another year -- or more.

"The likelihood of trials in the near future is remote," the official said.

It was the second time this week that U.S. and Iraqi officials differed over legal issues.

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