IRAQ SEEKS END TO "CHEMICAL ALI" EXECUTION IMPASSE

Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki is trying to end an impasse that has delayed the execution of Saddam Hussein's cousin and two other men convicted of genocide, a government spokesman said. An Iraqi court in September upheld death sentences against the three men. Iraq's constitution stipulates that the sentences must be carried out within 30 days but they remain in custody while Iraq's leaders squabble over who has authority to sign off on the executions. "The prime minister is trying to find a solution and a sort of balance between these demands and upholding the law and the constitution and the decisions made by the court," government spokesman Ali al-Dabbagh told a news conference. Dabbagh did not say what form the balance might take, or whether Maliki was considering any compromises in the dispute or a pardon for Hashem.