Saddam statement read out today

Iraqi Information Minister Mohammed Saeed al-Sahhaf today read out a statement reportedly by Saddam Hussein, promising to defeat the coalition forces at the gates of Baghdad.

“We are determined, God willing, to defeat them and destroy them on the walls of our capital, just like we are determined to destroy their wretched armies and defeat it on every spot of the land of Islam.”

“Fight them, oh brothers, and hit them night and day and make the land of Muslims a blazing fire for the invaders,” he said.

Yesterday, a televised statement attributed to Saddam exhorted the Iraqi people to “fight them with your hands”.

Saddam has not appeared on TV since March 24, and it is unclear when that address was recorded.

Today was the second time in two days the information minister has appeared on Iraqi TV to deliver remarks he said were from the Iraqi leader.

The picture was blurred, suggesting it may have been broadcast from a mobile transmitter following days of Allied air strikes on the capital, some of which have hit buildings housing Iraqi television facilities.