MoD Information

Saddam v Bush on TV?

Tue, February 25, 2003

Source: Ananova News

Saddam Hussein has challenged George Bush to an internationally televised debate via satellite linkup

Saddam Hussein has challenged George Bush to an internationally televised debate via satellite linkup. The Iraqi leader said he envisioned a live debate with Bush along the lines of those in a US presidential campaign.

He has also indicated that he does not intend to follow UN orders to destroy his Al-Samoud 2 missiles.

"I am ready to conduct a direct dialogue -a debate- with your president. I will say what I want and he will say what he wants."

Regarding chief UN weapons inspector Hans Blix's order that Iraq destroy its Al-Samoud 2 missiles, CBS quoted Saddam as saying: "Iraq is allowed to prepare proper missiles and we are committed to that."

Asked whether the Al-Samoud 2 missiles are "proper," Saddam was quoted as replying: "We do not have missiles that go beyond the proscribed range.

The order was issued after international experts determined the missile flew farther than the 93-mile limit set down by the UN in 1991. Iraq maintains some of the missiles overshot the limit because they were tested without warheads and guidance systems.

White House spokesman Ari Fleischer said Saddam's comments about the Al Samouds represented "open defiance" of the UN. "He refuses even to acknowledge that the weapons are prohibited," Fleischer said.