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Saddam letter urges united Iraq Saddam urges united Iraqi fight
(about 1 hour later)
Former Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein has urged Iraqis to set aside internal conflicts and unite in driving US-led forces from the country.Former Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein has urged Iraqis to set aside internal conflicts and unite in driving US-led forces from the country.
In a letter dictated from prison, Saddam Hussein calls on Iraqis not to be "distracted" by settling scores.In a letter dictated from prison, Saddam Hussein calls on Iraqis not to be "distracted" by settling scores.
Saddam Hussein is on trial in the Iraqi capital, Baghdad, for crimes against humanity, including genocide. Saddam Hussein is on trial in Baghdad, for crimes against humanity.
He describes Iraqis as living in "the most difficult period in history" but warns against using excessive force. The Iraqi capital has seen another day of violence as two car bombs exploded almost simultaneously in a north-east district, reportedly killing 20.
Unified Iraq The bombs struck just after sunset as Muslims were gathering to pray after breaking their Ramadan fast.
"Remember that your near-term goal is confined to freeing your country from the forces of occupation and their followers and not to be preoccupied in settling scores," he writes in the letter. Earlier, at least 10 people died when a car bomb exploded in a market in the mixed Sunni-Shia town of Suweira.
'Great unified Iraq'
In his letter, Saddam Hussein describes Iraqis as living in "the most difficult period in history".
He writes: "Remember that your near-term goal is confined to freeing your country from the forces of occupation and their followers and not to be preoccupied in settling scores."
He blames foreigners for sowing division in "a united and undivided country".He blames foreigners for sowing division in "a united and undivided country".
Referring to the rash of sectarian killings and violence, he writes that Iraqis should not be tempted to use excessive force.Referring to the rash of sectarian killings and violence, he writes that Iraqis should not be tempted to use excessive force.
"I urge you [...] to apply justice and righteousness in your jihad, and refrain from being drawn into recklessness, God forbid." "I urge you... to apply justice and righteousness in your jihad, and refrain from being drawn into recklessness, God forbid."
The letter was apparently dictated during a four-hour meeting with his lawyer on Saturday.The letter was apparently dictated during a four-hour meeting with his lawyer on Saturday.
Referring to the sectarian splits in the country he says he yearns for a "great unified Iraq, which is not split by any colour, segment or allegation".Referring to the sectarian splits in the country he says he yearns for a "great unified Iraq, which is not split by any colour, segment or allegation".