Saddam Hussein is expected to face trial as early as next month on charges of ordering genocide against Iraq's Kurdish population in the late 1980s, said a prosecutor and a court official.
They said an investigative judge was expected to hand the central case against the former leader over for prosecution this week. Saddam's lawyers will be notified that he could face trial for what is known as the Anfal campaign as early as next month.
"Within two days the investigative judge is expected to hand over the Anfal case to the prosecution," said the court official.
"After studying the case the defense lawyers will be informed to prepare themselves for the case."
Saddam and seven co-accused are currently on trial in connection with the killings of 148 Shias in the town of Dujail after an assassination attempt on him there in 1982.