WASHINGTON, Sept 19: Ex-Iraqi president Saddam Hussein could go to trial before the Iraqi Special Tribunal (IST) as early as next month, Iraqi Prime Minister Iyad Allawi said in an interview on Sunday.

"Roughly, I think October," Allawi said in the ABC interview, a transcript of which was given to AFP. He went on to say that Saddam supporters similarly charged would also be on trial when the IST convenes.

"Maybe he will appear in November or December, but definitely in October the whole issue will start," he said. "I don't think it will take a long time, because the evidence against him is ... overwhelming. So we hope justice will be served."

Asked if he meant the death penalty, Allawi said only, "The death penalty has been restored in Iraq." Allawi said the insurgency in Iraq "is still raging," but "it's not getting stronger.

"I'm not saying Iraq is peaceful. The insurgency, supported by foreign elements and by terrorist elements, is still a big headache." He said there was no need for more US troops in Iraq, but rather a need for "more participation by other countries.

"Iraq is fighting this war on behalf of the civilized nations," he said. "It's not something unique to Iraq. If this is not happening in Iraq, New York will be hit, Washington will be hit, London will be hit, Paris will be hit. -AFP