Two members of the Red Cross have visited Saddam Hussein in custody in Iraq for the first time.
A spokesman for the International Committee of the Red Cross confirmed they had visited the former Iraqi leader on Saturday.
One of the members was a doctor, as they were there was to examine his physical and mental condition.
They also took a letter from Saddam Hussein for his family. The Red Cross said they planned further visits.
Food and water
"The aim of this visit is to track and monitor the conditions of detention and treatment of the detainee," said Red Cross spokesperson, Nada Dumani.
"We want to see whether he is getting enough food and water and also to check his health condition and to give him the possibility to write a message to his family, which he did."
She did not say when another visit might take place.
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