FED: Saddam's capture will boost WMD search: Downer

AAP General News (Australia)
12-15-2003
FED: Saddam's capture will boost WMD search: Downer

Foreign Minister ALEXANDER DOWNER says the capture of SADDAM HUSSEIN will give a boost
to the coalition's search for weapons of mass destruction in Iraq.

Mr DOWNER says SADDAM himself will have information on the alleged WMD program and
his capture will encourage others to come forward.

Mr DOWNER also says he's told US Secretary of State COLIN POWELL that Australia is
in favour of SADDAM being tried in Iraq under the newly-formed Iraqi war crimes tribunal.

Earlier on ABC radio, Mr DOWNER predicted many people would be in favour of SADDAM
receiving the death penalty -- but said he's not one of them.

Prime Minister JOHN HOWARD says he would support the death penalty if it's the wish
of the Iraqi people.

AAP RTV apw/sd/jas/rp :

KEYWORD: IRAQ DOWNER (SYDNEY) WITH AUDIO

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