BAGHDAD, March 18 (Reuters) - Saddam Hussein wants his trial to remain in Iraq despite calls by his lawyers and human rights groups for an international tribunal, one of his attorneys said in remarks published on Saturday.

Speaking to Asharq al-Awsat newspaper, Jordanian lawyer Salih al-Armoti said Saddam rejected calls by his lawyers to be tried abroad.

He quoted the former Iraqi president as saying: "I was born in Iraq and I will die in it."

International human rights lawyers have urged U.S. officials and the new Iraqi government to send Saddam and his aides to an international court abroad while the defense has branded the proceedings "victor's justice" imposed under U.S. occupation.

The trial has been marred by the resignation of the chief judge to protest against what he said was government meddling, the killing of two defence lawyers and boycotts by Saddam and his attorneys.