- BAGHDAD (Reuters) - President
Saddam Hussein was quoted on Friday as cursing U.S.-led attackers and saying
God would help Iraq stand firm against an invasion launched overnight from
Kuwait.
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- "May you be cursed and may your actions fail,"
an Iraqi state television announcer said, reading from a statement he said
was written by Saddam.
-
- "What will you tell your people and humanity after
all the crimes you have committed and those you intend to commit?"
-
- The Iraqi leader was quoted as saying:
-
- "We have found what God promised us and what he
promised the believers...the ability to hold steadfast and resist in defense
of justice and what is right."
-
- "So have you and your loser friends found what your
devil has promised you?"
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- The statement, apparently addressed to U.S.-led forces
invading Iraq or to President Bush, ridiculed the idea that Iraqis would
welcome the attackers.
-
- "And what of your friends' words that Iraq's army
and people would...greet your aggression and the armies that execute your
orders with chanting and dancing?" it asked.
-
- U.S. and British forces invaded Iraq overnight, crossing
the desert border from Kuwait under cover of an intense artillery barrage,
as a second air raid pounded targets in Baghdad.
-
- Saddam appeared on state television in military uniform
hours after the first cruise missiles struck Baghdad early on Thursday
and accused Bush of committing a "crime against humanity."
-
- U.S. sources said that the voice appeared to be that
of Saddam, but it was unclear whether he was appearing live or whether
his statement was recorded. The uncertainty led to some speculation he
might have been killed or wounded in the strikes.
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