The next resumption of trial will be held after the scheduled Iraqi general elections due on Dec. 15, said Amin.

Wednesday's session last only two and a half hours, which was the fifth proceeding since the trial started on Oct. 19.

Earlier on Wednesday, the trial was delayed because Saddam refused to appear in court and his defense lawyers held discussion with the judges to settle "procedural problems", according to court officials.

At the end of Tuesday's court proceeding, Saddam vowed that he would not return to the court, complaining that he had no fresh clothes and had been deprived of shower and exercise facilities.

"I will not return. I will not come to an unjust court. Go to Hell," an angry Saddam shouted at the court.

The trial of Saddam and his seven aides resumed without Saddam in a court in central Baghdad on Wednesday after hours of delay due to Saddam's refusal to appear in court.

The seat of Saddam on the dock was empty but his seven co-defendents were present. Saddam's defense team thanked the judges for resuming the trial without Saddam in court.

Saddam and his seven co-defendants were tried on charges of crimes against humanity including the killing of 148 Shiite Muslims in the village of Dujail, north of Baghdad, in 1982 after an attempt on the then president's life.

All the eight defendants pled not guilty.

If convicted, they might be put to death.