WASHINGTON, May 24 (UPI) -- The United States said Monday it wants the Iraqis to decide who will try deposed Iraqi President Saddam Hussein.
"It's not a decision for us to make," said State Department spokesman Richard Boucher when asked if it was a good idea to allow the nephew of a disgraced Iraqi leader, Ahmed Chalabi, to select judges for trying Saddam.
The nephew, Salem Chalabi, was accused last week of offering a seat on the tribunal to a magistrate who was investigating charges against his uncle.
In return, the magistrate was to help quash the investigation.
Also last week, U.S. troops raided Ahmed Chalabi's home in Baghdad following reports he shared classified information with Iran.
Chalabi denies the charge.
Boucher said he had seen the reports, but the decision to appoint judges for the tribunal would still be taken by the Iraqis.
"We'll be happy for the Iraqi government to make that decision at the appropriate time," he said.
The United States plans to install an interim Iraqi government July 1.
