Iraq brands reports of Saddam's demise 'silly'

Iraqi officials say reports of the demise of Saddam Hussein are silly.

Speculation that the Iraqi dictator had suffered a major stroke and may even be dead began to circulate after television coverage of a New Year's Eve parade was cut short without explanation.

Saddam has not been seen in public since the parade when he was shown firing his gun into the air. Reports say he was taking the salute from his military when he collapsed.

Salam Khatab al-Nassiri, director-general of the Information Department of the Ministry of Culture and Information, said: "All the world has seen how President Saddam Hussein stood for more than five hours greeting units of our brave army at the Al-Aqsa Call Parade.

"These reports are so silly that they do not even deserve a reply."

Bayan Jaber, dissident leader of the Supreme Council of the Islamic Revolution in Iraq, said Saddam had suffered a "severe stroke" and had been rushed to hospital.

It is highly unusual for Iraqi officials to comment on Saddam's health.

The rumours will be refuelled if he fails to appear for Iraq's Army Day on Friday when he usually makes a public appearance to celebrate the country's military power.