U.S. ambition is to occupy entire Gulf region, Saddam says

The United States seeks to occupy not just Iraq, but the entire Gulf region, President Saddam Hussein said Monday as he addressed the nation with a speech marking the 82nd anniversary of the Iraqi armed forces.

Gulf occupation would enable the U.S. to bring under control the region's vast oil resources, Saddam explained. According to him, the Americans have been cherishing that dream ever since the early 1970s.

The Iraqi leader expressed confidence in his country's victory should the planned war break out, predicting a "bitter defeat" for the aggressor. At the same time, he said that a peaceful settlement of the Iraqi crisis was still possible. If the events follow a peaceful scenario, "we will lavish praise on Allah for guiding the enemies to the Righteous Path," he said emphatically.