It's OK with Nichols if bomb victims attend his trial

DENVER (CNN) -- Terry Nichols says he's willing to waive his right to bar victims of the Oklahoma City bombing from attending his murder trial, if they want to testify in the penalty phase.

Legal papers filed Thursday included a statement from Nichols saying his decision "is the least I can do."

Nichols and Timothy McVeigh will be tried separately for the 1995 bombing at the Alfred P. Murrah federal building that killed 168 people.

U.S. District Judge Richard Matsch has barred victims from the courtroom if they plan to testify during the trial's penalty phase. Victims and prosecutors have appealed. Attorneys for McVeigh say Thursday's statement by Nichols is an attempt by him to benefit at McVeigh's expense.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Special Section:

• CNN - Oklahoma City Tragedy

Related stories:

• Witness could tie McVeigh to crucial phone calls - January 4, 1997
• McVeigh's trial set to begin March 31 - November 15, 1996
• Oklahoma bombing judge mulls closed-circuit TV admission - November 14, 1996
• Prosecutors in Oklahoma bombing accused of delay tactics - Novmber 13, 1996
• Oklahoma City bombing defendants to be tried separately - October 25, 1996

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