Saddam issues fresh statement on Iraqi TV

Declaring that 'victory is at hand', Iraqi President issued a new statement urging Iraqis to fight on and defend their towns.

Declaring that "victory is at hand," Iraqi President Saddam Hussein issued a new statement urging Iraqis to fight on and defend their towns according to a broadcast on Wednesday on Iraqi satellite television.

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In the statement, which was read by an Iraqi news anchor in military uniform, Saddam repeatedly called upon his people to fight and said the Iraqi armed forces have not used their full capabilities in the battle.

"Fight them so that Iraq, the bastion of religion and principles, will be secured and our (Islamic) nation will come out of this crisis glorious," he said. "Fight them. Victory is at hand, God willing, although we have only utilised a third or less of our army while the criminals have used everything they brought in."

"Their failure was manifested and victory is glowing, God willing," he said.

Saddam singled out the 11th Division of the Iraqi army and Baath Party members in Nasiriyah and other southern towns who have "exhausted" the coalition forces and urged Iraqis to follow their example in defending their cities.

The statement, monitored in Doha, Qatar, was different from another broadcast yesterday night in which Saddam called for Iraq is to wage jihad or holy war against coalition forces.