Voice on tape probably Saddam’s, says CIA

THE tape recording of Saddam Hussein calling for resistance against US forces is probably authentic, CIA officials said yesterday.

"The CIA's assessment, after a technical analysis of the tape, is that it is most likely his voice," said spokesman Bill Harlow. "The exact date of the recording cannot be determined."

Intelligence officials said the recording played on Gulf satellite TV station Al-Jazeera on Friday is filled with background noise which prevents their technical analysts from being more definite. The speaker claims the recording was made on June 14.