A fair trial of former Iraqi President Saddam Hussein is crucial to the credibility of Iraqi new government and should be guaranteed, a senior official of the Iraqi Interim Government told Xinhua Sunday.

Interim Foreign Minister Hoshiar Al-Zibari said it was important to make sure Saddam Hussein has gone through proper legal procedures, otherwise the credibility of Iraqi new government will be questioned.

Al-Zibari confirmed that Hussein is enjoying the protection of the Red Cross based on relevant humanitarian laws and is not being treated badly as rumors depicted.

Calling Hussein "a dangerous prisoner waiting for trial", Al-Zibari said legal proceedings against Saddam's former regime members would bring positive influence on the upcoming election scheduled for January 30.

Given skepticism about the January election and variations still remain, Al-Zibari said Iraqi interim government needs to build as much international support as possible and to make Iraqi people confident of the establishment of a more legitimate and representative government.

Al-Zibari arrived Beijing on Thursday for a four-day visit to China, during which he met with Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao and held talks with Chinese Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing on Sino-Iraqi cooperation and Iraqi situations.

Source: Xinhua