people-against-war.net
14.03.03, 22:58
Saddam Hussein's interview by Mr. Dan Rather of CBS (part I)
Baghdad, on 24 Feb. 2003
Saddam Hussein on destroying the Soumoud Missiles:
We are committed to dealing and implementing Resolution 1441 as
demanded by the United Nations. It is on this basis that we have acted and
shall continue to act. As you know, Iraq is allowed under UN resolutions, to
develop land-to-land missiles of a range of 150 kilometers. And we are
committed to complying to these specifications. We have no missiles exceeding
this range, and the inspection teams have searched everywhere. Indeed I think
you should seek an answer to this question from them.
I believe that the US and the world should know by now that Iraq
does not possess any of the weapons claimed by top-ranking officials in the
US and the UK.
I think that part of this fabricated campaign, together with the
military build-up underway, is meant to cover the huge lie that Iraq is in
possession of nuclear, chemical and biological weapons of mass destruction,
and it is on this basis that Resolution 1441 was adopted. Although Iraq is
absolutely certain that it is void of any WMDs, as indeed has been confirmed
by all officials concerned, and in order that Iraq’s position may not be
misinterpreted, Iraq has accepted Resolution 1441 so that the facts are made
clear. This is why, missiles such as the ones you are referring to, which
exceed in range the limits set under UN resolutions, do not exist in Iraq any
longer, because they have all been destroyed in the past as announced at the
time.
S.H. on core-issues:
In all divine religions, God has stressed to mankind in all
scriptures, that the two most important things in life, after the creation of
man and faith, are food and peace. This is true of Islam, Christianity and
other religions. So peace, i.e. security, is an issue most fundamental to
one’s life and to the lives of others. Add to this man’s right to live, not
only in the sense of having food, but also in exercising his role vis-a-vis
his own humanity and the humanity of others. I believe this is the core issue.
S.H. on expecting US war or invasion:
We hope it will not happen; but we are bracing ourselves to such
an eventuality. You have, no doubt, observed the normalcy prevailing in
public life in Iraq. People are getting married, making friends, maintaining
normal relations with neighbours and relatives, travelling around the
country, and enjoying life as much as they can. Yet, they are preparing
themselves at the same time for this eventuality which is being talked about
by US officials. Therefore, our people will continue be prepared, while we
pray God Almighty to spare the Americans the experience of going down this
road, and to spare the Iraqis the evil of those who ride the bandwagon of
evil to launch aggression against Iraq.
S.H. on possibility of being killed or captured:
We, as believers, accept God’s will, whatever it may be. There is
no value for life without faith. A true believer accepts his fate while
taking precautions at the same time not to fall in precipice of death, or any
such precipice which his enemy may try dig for him. Prior to the Revolution
of July 1958, we were ordinary citizens among people many of whom found it
difficult to purchase shoes to wear, not only in the countryside, but in the
cities as well, and many in fact were deprived of the simplest necessities of
life. At that time, we had placed ourselves at the service of our people,
having first relied on God Almighty, with all the dangers that we had to face
in those days, the kind of dangers that are well known; and I do not want
here to indulge in these details.
At that time, we never asked whether we were going to live or
die. We had put our faith in God because what was essential to us was the
kind of virtues of service to the people that would please God. Now that we
have become leaders, with positions in the government, as President, Vice-
President, Ministers, etc, it cannot be morally acceptable for us to change
our stance. When we were fighters for freedom, our people believed us and
followed the banner of the Revolution until victory. In spite of the great
difficulties faced by our people along that course, difficulties well-known
to the world, our people remained true to their principles.
So, I believe it is not right for a leader to ask himself whether
he is going to live or die. Indeed, the basic question should be, to what
extent will he remain true to his people and to humanity at large. There and
then, God’s will shall prevail unimpeded; for I believe that no power on
earth can do anything contrary to God’s desire.
S.H. on ties with Usama bin Laden:
Is this the basis of concern amongst US officials? Or is it the
basis of concern for the American people only?
Dan Rather: Mr. President. I can confirm to Your Excellency accurately and
sincerely that this question is a main concern in the minds of the American
people.
S.H.:
This subject emerged only recently amongst the concerns of US officials, that
is after they had realized that their allegations about Iraq acquiring WMD
after 1998 may be exposed at the UN for what they really are( i.e. mere
allegations), which would be embarrassing to them, so they began talking
about the possibility of some connections between Iraq and Mr. Usama bin
Laden. By the way, the same subject was also raised with me by Mr. Tony Benn,
and I gave him my unequivocal answer which I shall repeat to you just as
clearly now: Iraq has no relations whatsoever with Mr. Usama bin Laden, and I
believe that Usama bin Laden himself answered this question in a recent
speech by him.
Dan Rather: Do you agree or disagree, in principle, with the attacks of 11
September?
S.H.:
Our principles are not only nationalist and Pan-Arab, but they
are humane as well. We believe that the world must seek opportunities for
peace, not opportunities for fighting, war, inflicting harm or vengence. We
had believed in these principles long before we became leaders, and have made
them our practice with our people since we assumed leadership. But we
believe, on the basis of God’s teachings to us, as He also instructed mankind
at large, under other religions, that there must be a law governing the
conduct of humanity, a law which does not allow an aggressor to commit
aggression while others remain silent, a killer to perpetrate murder while
other applaud his deed, or an invader to occupy other countries while others
make no move. In sum, we believe in the principles enshrined in the Charter
of the United Nations, which stipulate that when one is aggressed against one
has the right to repel aggression. The UN Charter was not drafted by Muslims
yet, we believe in it.
S.H. on asylum:
I take Mr. Rather’s motive in this question to excitement, which is an
American way of interviewing which some people may not like; but, as far as I
am concerned, I can understand it; however, I shall answer your question: I
was born here in Iraq. And I was born as a true Arab believer. I am proud,
and I have taught my children to be proud, of the value of Arab history in
all its human dimensions, and of all the stances of faith which every
believer, man or woman, should take. I also taught my children the importance
and value of patriotism and the homeland, and to be true to their honour and
their people. And now I am teaching this to my grandchildren. This is how we
have been talking to the people of Iraq since the days of our struggle
underground. I believe that it shall not be acceptable for any leader who
talks to his peop