"I can now tell you clearly and precisely that next week the trials of the members of the former regime will start, one by one so that justice can take its path in Iraq," Allawi said.

He declined to give names or clarify whether Saddam would be among them. Most of Saddam's aides have been in jail for more than a year, and few of them can meet with lawyers.

 "I will tell you clearly and specifically that next week, God willing, the trials of the symbols of the former regime will begin," Allawi told the National Council.