Saddam:
‘Draw Sword’ Against U.S.
Baghdad, Iraq ----- President Saddam Hussein accused the United States of
committing a “shameful crime” by attacking Iraq, urging his people in a
nationally televised address today to “go draw your sword” against the
enemy.
Saddam appeared on television, wearing a military uniform, vowing that
“Iraq will be victorious,” about two hours after U.S. cruise missiles hit
targets in and around Baghdad.
U.S. officials said the strike targeted Saddam himself and other
leadership figures.
The Iraqi leader appeared subdued, and his puffy face showed signs of
strain. He
wore reading glasses ----- something he has avoided in public.
He appeared less vigorous than during a meeting of his Revolutionary
Command Council last week.
“We promise you that Iraq, its leadership and its people will stand up
to evil invaders, and we will take them to such limits that they will lose there
patience in achieving their plans, which are pushed by criminal Zionism,” he
said.
“They will face bitter defeat, God willing,” he said.
“You will be able to achieve glory and your despicable infidel enemies
will be defeated.”
“This is added to the series of their shameful crime against Iraq and
humanity,” Saddam said, describing the U.S. president as ‘little, evil
Bush.’
“Draw your sword and be not afraid,” he urged the Iraqi people,
before ending the speech by chanting, “Allahu akbar” or God is great, and
saying, “Long live jihad and long live Palestine.”
After the U.S. strike, Iraqi broadcasters repeatedly announced that the
Iraqi leader would appear.
Baghdad radio carried a message from his sun, Odai, calling on the people
to be stead fast and promised them victory.
Mohammed Saeed Sahhaf the information minister, also on Iraq radio,
called on Iraqi people to be steadfast and described this day as a “an eternal
day in history and that Allah honored the Iraqis with this test.”
Taken
From
The
Daily News
Thursday, March 20, 2003