A London-based Arabic newspaper said on Wednesday it has received a handwritten letter signed by Saddam Hussein, in which he urges the Iraqi people to resist US troops who took over Iraq and ousted his regime earlier this month.
Abdul Bari Atwan, the editor of the London-based daily Al-Quds Al-Arabi said the message to the Iraqi people is dated April 28, coinciding with Saddam's 66th birthday.
Atwan stated the letter was received by fax from an undetermined location and signed "Saddam Hussein." According to the daily, close sources to the ousted leader confirmed that the handwriting and signature were in fact Saddam Hussein’s, indicating that, for personal security reasons, his current circumstances would not permit him to do much more that send the letter.
The one-page message contained a reference to "betrayals" that led to the US military victory, an appeal to Iraqis to cast aside any differences and a warning that US-installed leaders will not bring them freedom.
“They were not victorious over you – [you] the people who refuse occupation and humiliation and whose hearts and minds are filled with Arabism and Islam, however [they were victorious] by betrayal,” the letter said.
Saddam accused the countries neighboring Iraq of fighting against the Iraqi resistance, adding that “the traitors openly admit their betrayal [to the Iraqis] despite the fact that it is shameful,” in what appears to be an accusation against Kuwait.
On his part, Atwan said: "I think the letter is genuine. We can't verify it because we don't know where he is, he is on the run. I have seen his signature before and it looks like it. I think it is authentic."
Atwan was not surprised to receive it. "We have received letters and e-mails from Osama bin Laden. People know we are a credible and honest newspaper with circulation all over the world.
"I believe that for the statement Saddam will try to emulate Osama bin Laden, by issuing a video tape or audio cassette to a prominent satellite channel.
"There is a resemblance now between him and Osama bin Laden. Both are on the run, both are against the United States, both are suffering from US military presence in their country. I think he will try to use his style by issuing his statement in this way.
"I expect it to be issued at any time, but you have to remember he is on the run, he does not have a fixed address, so I would not be surprised if there was some delay."
Following is the full text of Saddam’s letter:
“In the name of God, the most merciful, the most sympathetic”
“And yet they had already covenanted with Allah not to turn their backs, and a covenant with Allah must (surely) be answered for.” (a verse from the holy Koran)
Iraq, April 28, 2003.
From Saddam Hussein
To the great people of Iraq,
And the Arab and Islamic nations,
And noble everywhere.
Peace be upon you, his mercy and blessing. (Assalamu A’laikum wa Rahmat Allah wa Barakatoh)
As I perceive it, like woodworm and more [than woodworm], criminal Bush entered Baghdad like Hulagu did
They were not victorious over you; [you] the people who oppose occupation and humiliation and whose hearts and minds are filled with Arabism and Islam, however [they were victorious] by betrayal.
I swear by God that this in not victory as long as resistance remains inside you.
What we said before has now become a fact; we will not live in peace and security as long as this deformed Zionist entity exists on Arab land. So there is no dissociation in the unity of the Arab struggle (referring to the Palestinian struggle). (Albawaba.com)
© 2003 Al Bawaba (www.albawaba.com)
