Iran welcomed on Wednesday the start of the trial of former Iraqi president Saddam Hussein, calling on the court to adopt charges over Saddam's alleged role in the Iraq-Iran in 1980-1988, the semi-official Mehr news agency reported.

"We welcome the start of the trial of Saddam, who has committed crimes against humanity, particularly against the people of Iraq, Iran and Kuwait," Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Hamid-Reza Asefi said in a statement.

"On the list of charges against Saddam Hussein, the court must include the charges of starting the bloody and destructive wars with Iran and Kuwait," Asefi stressed.

The spokesman also voiced hope that the court would "heal the wounds of those who were harmed by Saddam's crimes and teach a good lesson to other oppressors," according to Mehr.

Iraq's special tribunal started in Baghdad on Wednesday the trial of Saddam and his seven aides over charges of war crimes and crime against humanity.

Saddam pleaded not guilty at the court for the murder of 143 Shiite countrymen in Dujail town, some 60 km north of Baghdad, in 1982.

The court has adjourned till Nov. 28 after Saddam's lawyer requested a three-month postponement.

Iran, insisting that the 1980-1988 war was unilaterally provoked by Saddam, has been making efforts to sue Saddam for launching the war and using chemical weapons against Iranians.

Source: Xinhua