The United States said on Friday the scheduled Oct. 19 date for the trial of ousted Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein still stands despite reports from Britain that the date might be postponed.

"The Iraqis have said the trial is scheduled to begin on Oct. 19 and it's my understanding that the date still stands," State Department spokesman Sean McCormack said at a briefing.

"This is an Iraqi process. We are working with the Iraqis ... as they prepare the evidence for this trial, as well as develop the procedures which will govern the proceedings," McCormack said.

According to media reports, a senior British official said on Wednesday that the trial might be postponed because of logistical considerations.

The United States invaded Iraq in 2003 and captured Saddam Hussein in December of that year.

(Xinhua News Agency October 8, 2005)