CIA: 'Saddam' tape probably genuine

The voice urged Iraqis to resist occupying forces

A recording of a man claiming to be the deposed Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein is probably authentic, US Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) officials have said.

But they warned that the poor quality of the recording prevented absolute certainty.

The speaker, who praised continuing violence against coalition troops, claimed that he was alive and well and living among Iraqis.

The tape was broadcast on 4 July by the Arabic satellite television channel Al-Jazeera, which said that the message was dated 14 June - six weeks after US President George W Bush declared major hostilities over.

"The CIA's assessment, after a technical analysis of the tape, is that it's most likely his voice," said CIA spokesman Bill Harlow on Monday.

We refused to hold on to power if that meant submitting to the American threats. They wanted to occupy us without a fight and destroy our pride

'Saddam Hussein'

Text: Al-Jazeera tape

The hunt for Saddam

Officials said the tape contained a great deal of background noise. They speculated that the speaker was located some distance from the microphone and the tape may have been used a number of times before.

"The exact date of the recording cannot be determined," Mr Harlow added. The CIA says that there were no references in the recording that would preclude the possibility that it was pre-recorded before 14 June.

Psychological effect

The BBC's Katty Kay in Washington says that the CIA are choosing their wording very carefully when they say that the best conclusion they can offer is that the recording is "most likely" genuine.

At the time the recording was aired the BBC's security correspondent Frank Gardner said the voice on the tape sounded like Saddam Hussein.

But whether it was proven to be Saddam Hussein or not, its psychological effects would harm the coalition's efforts, he said.

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He said the tape's message was designed to rally those loyal to the old Baath Party, and convince Iraqis that Saddam Hussein would one day return.

The voice on the audio tape played by al-Jazeera says: "I tell you that I miss you, miss you, o beloved people, even though I am among you and in your ranks."

It says "jihad cells made up of Iraqi male and female fighters have been formed on a large scale" throughout Iraq to fight US-led coalition forces occupying the country.

He continued: "I call on you to provide a cover for the heroic mujahideen and not to give the infidel invaders and their collaborators any information about them, their activities or their whereabouts."

US and British troops have been the victims of increasing attacks from renegade Iraqis in recent weeks, with dozens dying since the major fighting of the conflict ended.

The top US official in Iraq has announced a $25m reward for information leading to the capture of Saddam Hussein and $15m for each of his sons Qusay and Uday.