'Saddam' tape scorns coalition claims

A taped message attributed to Saddam Hussein has condemned as "lies" the US and UK governments' arguments for invading Iraq.

The message was aired on Dubai-based Al-Arabiya TV on the 35th anniversary of the seizure of power by the former Iraqi leader's Baath Party.

It alleged that Britain's charges that Iraq had weapons of mass destruction were "baseless".

The speaker praised Iraqi towns where US troops have repeatedly come under attack and branded Iraqi officials appointed by the US-led coalition as "servants" of the American occupier.

The last taped message purporting to be from the former Iraqi leader was broadcast by Al-Jazeera television and Lebanon's al-Hayat-LBC television less than two weeks ago.