Giovanni Di Stefano's links with Saddam go back to 1998

Giovanni Di Stefano said he would be "honoured" to represent Saddam and he expected to be asked to do so by the deposed leader's daughters.

The London-based Italian lawyer, who is also a director of Dundee FC, says he became a friend of Saddam's after meeting him in 1998.

Mr Di Stefano was closely linked with the Serbian warlord Arkan Raznatovic.

He said he was prepared to defend Arkan, who was assassinated in January 2000, against an indictment for war crimes.

Air franchise

Mr Di Stefano also formed friendships with the former Serbian leader, Slobodan Milosevic, who asked the lawyer for advice while defending himself at a war crimes tribunal in the Hague.

He represented the serial killer, Harold Shipman, the road rage killer, Kenneth Noye and was involved in the recent Nicholas van Hoogstraten case.

Referring to Saddam, he said: "I would be honoured to defend His Excellency and I think perhaps his daughters may ask me to defend him.

Slobodan Milosevic: Sought Mr Di Stefano's advice

"I don't know his daughters but I did know his sons Uday and Qusay.

"My franchise for Iraqi airlines, which I held for years while Saddam ruled, still hasn't been cancelled by the Americans. I hold the route from Iraq to Belgrade and Rome.

"If there was a trial with international law, I would put myself down as a representative to defend Saddam. I still hold a valid visa for the country.

"When I met President Saddam Hussein in 1998 I understood his capabilities.

"In many ways one needs to comprehend the training and profession of world leaders to evaluate their capabilities."