‘Iraq will triumph and all of humanity’

The following is the text of Saddam Hussein’s address to the nation, broadcast yesterday on Iraqi television shortly after the first US strikes against Baghdad.

On this day of the Hijra year 1424, the criminal (US President George W) Bush the younger and his agents have committed the crime of threatening Iraq and humanity. He and his agents have added to the series of ignominious crimes committed against Iraq and, above all, against humanity.

“O Iraqis and O worthy sons of our nation, we sacrifice for you, for the principles of our nation and for the jihad, our soul, our families and our children. I would not like to repeat all that the glorious ones are prepared to do to defend our dear nation, our principles and our sanctuaries.