Iraqi President Jalal Talabani Thursday praised the performance of the criminal court specialized of trying toppled ruler Saddam Hussein and his assistants.

According to a press release by the presidential headquarters, Talabani made his remarks after meeting with Raed Johy, one of the judges in the court.

Talabani was quoted as saying that he praises the performance of the court and described the procedures following the investigations as civilized and humane.

They do not depend on blackmailing, pressure, or force in taking confessions, as the former authorities used to do in the former regime, he added.

The president said that he supports the work of the investigative body of the criminal court and will exert all efforts to grant it the respect it deserves in other governmental establishments.

He also expressed hope that the members of the court be respected and appreciated for the efforts that they have made for the sake of justice.

Some Iraqi officials have accused some members of the court of belonging to the dissolved former Baath Party, the ruling party atthe time of Saddam.

Nine judges in the court were dismissed last week for being members of the dissolved Baath party.

(Xinhua News Agency July 29, 2005)