KEY POINTS:
CRAWFORD, Texas - The Iraqi government has told US officials that former Iraqi president Saddam Hussein could be executed within the next few days, a senior Bush administration official said.
"I've heard that it's going to be a couple more days, probably," the official said while Bush took a holiday break at his Texas ranch.
He said he had heard from US officials in Baghdad that the execution would not be Thursday US time or Friday Baghdad time (Friday NZT). "It's going to be maybe another day or so," the official said.
He said the government of Iraq would most likely inform US officials about the timing of the execution when it gets closer.
The US official's comments were at odds with those of Iraqi officials who earlier backed away from suggestions Saddam would be hanged within a month.
The officials said that the hanging would occur within 30 days only if Iraq's president issues a decree it takes place immediately, which seemed unlikely.
- REUTERS
