KUWAIT CITY, Sept. 14 (Xinhuanet) -- Kuwait would cooperate with the Iraqi Governing Council, Arab states and the coalition forces to bring former Saddam regime officials involved with mass killings in Iraq to justice as soon as possible, said the oil-rich Gulf state's foreign minister on Sunday.

   Sheikh Mohammad Sabah Al-Salem Al-Sabah made the remarks after the cabinet's weekly meeting, the official KUNA news agency reported.

   "It is vital to avenge the crimes committed by Saddam regime against the innocent," the minister said.

   The minister added that he had met his Iraqi counterpart HoshiarZibari, and that there was agreement that "closing of old files is only possible through holding those responsible accountable."   "These people are criminals and killers of innocent people and should be held accountable for their crimes," Sheikh Mohammad stressed.

   He voiced hope that war crimes trials shall take place and therelated resolutions would be taken seriously.

   Regarding last week's Cairo meetings, the minister said that Iraqi participation was a victory for Gulf democracy and was result of Gulf states' efforts.

   "Gulf states believe Iraq should be an effective part of the Arab community and an active member in Arab joint action," he said.   The Cairo meetings ended with a communique stressing Saddam regime officials are war criminals in relation to the mass murders and mass graves and demanding they be brought to justice.  Enditem