Saddam’s family mark his birthday in relative isolation

SADDAM HUSSEIN’S 66th birthday arrived yesterday with none of the elaborate fanfare of past years but with rumours the deposed dictator was still alive and planning something dastardly to mark the occasion.

In his hometown, Tikrit, small groups of supporters staged demonstrations in his support and promised celebrations for years to come.

"Saddam Hussein is one of the great Arabic leaders. We did not import him. He was born in Iraq," said Abdullah Ialeh Hussein, who claimed to be Saddam's cousin. "The Americans have occupied us, but we will continue to support him."