Iraqis defiant in support for Hussein

DEFIANT Iraqis lined up to show their support for Saddam Hussein yesterday as Western powers were deadlocked over how to deal with the veteran leader they say threatens world security.

Key Security Council members have failed for three weeks to agree on a US-drafted resolution authorising force against Baghdad, and Iraqis were in a festive mood as they turned out to vote in a presidential referendum Hussein is sure to win.

“With our blood and souls we defend Saddam Hussein,” supporters chanted at a polling station in central Baghdad.