(File Photo)

Former Iraqi President Saddam Hussein arrested

    BAGHDAD/BEIJING, Dec. 14 (Xinhuanet) - Former Iraqi President Saddam Hussein was arrested by the US and Kurd forces in his hometown of Tirkrit, but the US officials in Washington said it still needs DNA tests to confirm it.

    However, British Prime Minister Tony Blair issued a statement in London, confirming and welcoming the arrest.

    Abdel Aziz al-Hakim, head of Iraq's interim Governing Council (IGC), also confirmed the news. Al-Hakim, who is visiting Madrid, said the suspect detained was Saddam. "A DNA test has already been carried out," he told a press conference in Madrid.

    "I have the pleasure to announce on behalf of the Iraqi people that Saddam Hussein has been detained," he added.

    Reports from Washington said that the US officials responded cautiously, only saying that the suspect may be Saddam and more DNA tests are needed to confirm it.

    In Baghdad, Iraqis celebrated the capture of the former leader Saddam Hussein with gunfire.

    Continuous gunshots were heard over the neighborhoods as reports poured into the city early in the day that Saddam may havebeen caught after the US-led coalition forces launched an overnight operation in his hometown of Tikrit, 170 km north of Baghdad.

    Earlier in the day, a spokeswoman for the US-led occupation told reporters that a "very important" announcement will be made at a news conference scheduled for 3 p.m. (1200 GMT). Enditem