The U.S.military is holding Saddam Hussein in the Baghdad area,a member of the Iraqi Governing Council said Wednesday.

"He is still in greater Baghdad,"said council member Mouwafak al-Rubaie."Maybe he will stay there until he stands trial."

Al-Rubaie spoke at a news conference where council members issued a statement asking for Iraqis to seek reconciliation following the weekend capture of Saddam.

U.S.officials have confirmed that the former president was at an undisclosed location in Iraq.