The Sunni vice president, Tariq al-Hashimi, has also pledged to support Saddam's execution as part of a deal that gave him the job on April 22, witnesses at the meeting told reporters in October.
Raed Juhi, a spokesman for the High Tribunal Court that convicted Saddam, said the judicial system would ensure Saddam is executed even if the presidency does not ratify the decision.
"We'll implement the verdict by the power of the law," Juhi said.
He did not elaborate on the statement, which implied that Saddam's case might divide the government.
Saddam is being held at Camp Cropper, a US military prison close to Baghdad's airport. The US military has had Saddam Hussein in its custody, on behalf of the Iraqis, since his capture. Military officials, however, were not able to say on Tuesday whether the former dictator is being turned over to the Iraqis now, in anticipation of his execution.
It is not clear where the hanging will take place. It might occur at Camp Cropper or, perhaps, at a Baghdad prison where the new Iraqi government has carried out other executions.
It is also uncertain if the public or press will be allowed to witness the hanging, or if the execution will be announced only once it is completed.
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