BAGHDAD, Dec. 5 (Xinhuanet) -- Trial for the former Iraqi president Saddam Hussein and his seven top aides resumed after a 10-minute recess on Monday, while lawyers returned to the courtroom of which they previously walked out in protest against the legitimacy of the court. 

    The judges reversed their earlier rulings, allowing former US attorney general Ramsey Clark and another foreign defense lawyer to address the session on Monday.

    After the recess, Chief Judge Rizgar Mohammed Amin allowed Clark and former Qatari Justice Minister Najib al-Nueimi to speakon the questions of the legitimacy of the court and safety of the lawyers.

    "This trial can divide or heal. Unless it is seen as absolutely fair, and fair in fact, it will divide rather than reconcile Iraq," said Clark.

    Trial for Saddam on charges of crimes against humanity resumed in the heavily fortified Green Zone in central Baghdad earlier on Monday.

    Shortly after the start of the session, the defense team,including Clark, walked out of the court in protest against the legitimacy of the court and the chief judge then ordered a 10-minute recess.

    Monday's trial was the third day of proceedings after two earlier adjournments on Oct. 19 and Nov. 28 respectively. Enditem