Saddam trial judge not to step down

"These reports are baseless and the judge has shown no intention of resigning," said an official close to the Iraqi High Tribunal who requested anonymity.

Iraqi newspapers Saturday said Rizkar Mohammed Amin, a Kurd, intended to step down as judge presiding over the trial of Saddam and seven co-accused.

The men are charged with ordering the massacre of more than 140 Shiites in the town of Dujail following a 1982 assassination attempt on the Iraqi leader.

"Judge Amin is staying put and nothing has changed in the make-up of the court," another official close to the tribunal said.

The case against Saddam adjourned in December and is to reopen on January 24.

The High Tribunal in late December denied earlier press reports suggesting the judge wanted to resign in the wake of criticism.