MR. McCLELLAN: The President is pleased that Saddam Hussein and his regime leaders are facing justice from the Iraqi people in an Iraqi court.

Q Did he, in following up Ann Compton's question, does he agree with Saddam that Presidents are above the law?

MR. McCLELLAN: Helen, Saddam Hussein is going to say all sorts of things during this trial. What's important is that Saddam Hussein and his band of oppressors are facing justice from the Iraqi people in an Iraqi court. And today this is case number one; the people of Iraq vs. Saddam Hussein. Justice is being served to Saddam Hussein and his brutal band of oppressors by the Iraqi people in an Iraqi court. Saddam Hussein is facing the justice he denied the Iraqi people, most notably the hundreds of thousands of innocent Iraqis who were victims of his brutality.

Q How many did we kill in this war?

MR. McCLELLAN: And, Helen, I appreciate your opinions, but I'm going to keep moving on to other questions.

Q Scott, can I follow up with just one thing? Saddam Hussein also said, rough translation in this proceeding, he said, this is all theater by Bush the criminal to help him with his campaign. Did the President have any specific reaction to that comment?

MR. McCLELLAN: No, Kate. Like I said, Saddam Hussein is going to say all sorts of things. What's important is that justice is being served to Saddam Hussein and his band of oppressors by the Iraqi people in an Iraqi court. Saddam Hussein's regime was responsible for the systematic terrorizing, torture, killing and raping of innocent Iraqis. Saddam Hussein's regime was responsible for grave atrocities against the Iraqi people. And this step today begins a process by which the Iraqi people can help bring closure to the dark chapter of their history.

- posted by Cynthia @ 9:59 AM | | | Link |