Aziz has stroke, his lawyer says

Tariq Aziz was for many years the face of Iraq around the world

Iraq's former deputy-prime minister, Tariq Aziz, who is being held in US custody, has suffered a stroke, his lawyer has told the BBC.

Badie Arif Ezzat said Mr Aziz had suffered a cerebral embolism and might not live more than a month.

He said Mr Aziz was being held in a room only fit for dogs.

But US officials said Mr Aziz's health had not "significantly diminished" recently and he had already been ill when taken into custody in April 2003.

Mr Aziz gave himself up to US occupying forces and has been detained ever since. No charges have been brought against him.

Mr Aziz, 70, was for many years the face of Iraq around the world.

Mr Ezzat said he had asked for Mr Aziz to be given hospital treatment and had requested a meeting with the American ambassador, the Iraqi Justice Minister and head of the special tribunal set up to try Saddam Hussein.