A statement purported to be from Saddam Hussein has been read on Iraqi T.V. The statement was read by Iraqi Information Minister Mohammed al-Sahhaf, who signed off by saying "Saddam Hussein, first of April, 2003."
The statement urged the Iraqi people to "take your chance" and fight the allied invaders. It said God is testing the Iraqi people -- and that if they fight back, the invaders will "run away."
The statement said the invasion forces are evil, while the Iraqis are waging an honorable battle. It said whoever dies in such a battle will be "rewarded by heaven."
Before this statement, Iraqi TV started announcing Saddam Hussein would make an appearance on Tuesday. "If there was ever a time for Saddam to appear and exhort his troops and people, it is now," said Marine Lt. Col. Dave Lapan, a Pentagon spokesman. "And despite the promise that he was going to appear, he didn't. The fact remains that there hasn't been a verifiable current picture of Saddam Hussein since this began." (Albawaba.com)
© 2003 Al Bawaba (www.albawaba.com)
