Ananova:

The Iraqi Information Minister has read out a statement on television reportedly by Saddam Hussein, promising to defeat the coalition forces at the gates of Baghdad.

In the statement attributed to Saddam but read by Mohammed Saeed Al-Sahhaf, he promised to win the war.

"We are determined, God willing, to defeat them and destroy them on the walls of our capital, just like we are determined to destroy their wretched armies and defeat it on every spot of the land of Islam."

It was the second time in two days the minister had delivered remarks on behalf of the Iraqi leader.

He adds: "Fight them, oh brothers, and hit them night and day and make the land of Muslims a blazing fire for the invaders."

On Thursday, a televised statement attributed to Saddam exhorted the Iraqi people to "fight them with your hands".

Saddam hasn't delivered a speech on TV since March 24, and it is unclear when that address was recorded.

Story filed: 10:57 Friday 4th April 2003

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