Baghdad - The judge at the trial of the former Iraqi Deputy Prime Minister Tariq Aziz called Monday on all parties involved in the case to show self-restraint and maintain professional behaviour during the trial.

The Iraqi High Tribunal resumed hearing the case against Aziz and seven co-defendants, who are accused of executing 42 Iraqi traders in 1992.

Judge Rauf Abdel-Rashid urged the legal teams, defendants and plaintiffs to refrain from mutual abuse and show appropriate behaviour in court.

On Sunday, there were sharp exchanges between Aziz and one of the witnesses, Mahir Rashid.

Rashid said his brother, one of the executed traders, had been killed on the instigation of Aziz's son, who was involved in trading in foreign currencies and saw his brother as a threatening competitor.

Aziz dismissed the accusations and insults were traded.

The merchants were accused by the government of former dictator Saddam Hussein of manipulating prices when the country was languishing under international sanctions.

The merchants were arrested in 1992 in Baghdad's wholesale market and executed after a summary trial.

If found guilty, Aziz could face the death penalty or be jailed for life. (dpa)