Saddam defiant on US threat

PRESIDENT Saddam Hussein said yesterday in a televised speech marking Iraq's July 17 revolution that the United States and its allies would not be able to topple his government.

Saddam, marking the 34th anniversary of the revolution which brought his ruling Baath party to power, also said Iraqis were well prepared and equipped to defend their country against any military assault.

"Temmuz [July Revolution] returns to say to all evil tyrants and oppressors of the world: You will never defeat me this time. Never! Even if you come together from all over the world, and invite all the devils as well to stand by you," he said.