Iraqi newspaper challenges Arab leaders

An Iraqi newspaper owned by President Saddam Hussein’s son today accused some Arab states of supporting Iraq in public but opposing it in private.

In an editorial published the day Arab foreign ministers meet in Lebanon to prepare for a crucial summit, Babil warned Iraqis not to be convinced by all of the pro-Iraqi statements expected from the Beirut conference.

‘‘It is clear that some people are saying that they are with us in public, while in fact they have other hidden opinions and actions,’’ the front page editorial said, without elaborating.

The paper, which is owned by Odai Hussein, urged Arab leaders at the summit to unite against US threats to Iraq. During a tour of the Middle East this month, US Vice President Dick Cheney sounded out Arab opinion about possible moves against Saddam.

According to reports, all Arab governments advised him against an attack, particularly now, when Arab feelings are running high over the death toll in the Palestinian-Israeli conflict.

Babil criticised unidentified Arab states whom it accused of posing as ‘‘peace mediators’’ instead of backing the Palestinian uprising.