Bush to the Iraqis: 'The regime is being removed'

US President George Bush was today telling the people of Iraq that “the regime of Saddam Hussein is being removed from power.”

In a two-and-a-half minute address to be broadcast across Iraq by the US military, Bush sought to convince Iraqi civilians and the Arab world that the Allied troops are not a hostile invasion force.

There is still widespread opposition to the war throughout much of the world.

“The long era of fear and cruelty is ending,” Bush said, according to a transcript released by the White House. “The government of Iraq and the future of your country will soon belong to you.”

Bush’s remarks came a day after Baghdad fell into coalition hands and much of Iraq was being overtaken by British and US forces.

“You deserve to live as free people,” the American president said.

The White House said the broadcast was to be screened at 6pm today in Iraq (3pm Irish time).

It was taped on Tuesday while Bush was meeting Britain's Prime Minister Tony Blair in Northern Ireland.