BAGHDAD, Dec. 29 (Xinhua) -- Iraqi former president Saddam Hussein could be hanged before noon Saturday, Iraqi state television reported on Friday night.

    The al-Iraqiya television quoted Shiite lawmaker Bahah al-Iaraji as saying that "the death sentence will be carried out before 12:00 a.m. Saturday (0900 GMT)." Full story>>>

    U.S. says Saddam still in its custody

    BAGHDAD, Dec. 29 (Xinhua) -- The U.S. side on Friday evening denied reports that it had handed Saddam Hussein over to the Iraqi authorities for execution, saying Saddam was still in U.S. custody.

    U.S. State Department spokesman Tom Casey confirmed that Saddam Hussein is still in U.S. custody and "there has been no change in his status," according reports reaching here from Washington. Full story>>>

    Defense lawyer: Saddam transferred to Iraqi authorities for execution

    BAGHDAD, Dec. 29 (Xinhua) -- Former Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein has been transferred from U.S. custody to the Iraqi authorities ahead of execution, pan-Arabic television al-Jazeera reported on Friday.

    The channel quoted Saddam's chief lawyer Khalil al-Dulaimi assaying that "the Americans have notified us that they have handed over the president to the Iraqi authorities." Full story>>>