BAGHDAD, Feb 21: The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) visited Saddam Hussein in US custody in Iraq on Saturday for the first time since the ousted leader was captured in December, while US overseer Paul Bremer poured cold water on hopes for speedy elections.

"Two ICRC representatives, including a doctor, visited Saddam Hussein on Saturday in Iraq and were able to stay with him long enough for a physical and mental evaluation," ICRC spokeswoman Nada Dumani told AFP from Amman.

"In accordance with its rules, the ICRC is unable to give any indication about the condition of Saddam Hussein. The ICRC, following this visit, as in the case of all prisoners, will report directly to the coalition," she added.

US forces captured Iraq's former president on December 13 hiding in a hole on a farm in a village close to his hometown of Tikrit, north of Baghdad, after eight months on the run.

In shock footage released at the time of his arrest, Saddam appeared dishevelled, bearded and bewildered. A doctor was shown poking a wooden spatula into his mouth and the 66-year-old Saddam's head was searched for lice.

United States authorities formally gave the ICRC the green light to visit the ousted dictator on Feb 14.

In Amman, a Red Cross spokesman said the humanitarian agency would deliver a message from Saddam to his family.

Asked whether it would be a written message, Muin Kassis said, "Yes, there is a special form, that he writes on - only family news - and it will be delivered to the family."-AFP