Thatcher Calls for War Crimes Trials

British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher launched a public offensive against Iraq on Monday, saying Baghdad should pay war damages, Iraqi soldiers should stand trial for war crimes and there should be no negotiations about its occupation of Kuwait.

In a series of U.S. television interviews, Thatcher outlined a tough, no-negotiations stand against Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein, saying the West has the authority to oust Iraq militarily from Kuwait if it has to.

Thatcher, who has been harshly criticized by Iraq’s official media, said public opinion would support military action to get Iraq to end its Aug. 2 occupation of Kuwait.

She said Iraqi troops should be forced to stand trial for any crimes committed in Kuwait, where there have been reports of widespread looting, rape and mass arrests.

“You can’t go in and cause all the damage and desolation and damage to life that Saddam Hussein has caused without expecting to have to pay some compensation for that.

“Nor can you go and have your soldiers do some of the things that have been done without expecting them to be brought before the court and be answerable for their terrible deeds.”