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02/04/2003
British troops suffer 27th war death
Britain has suffered its 27th death since the beginning of the war in Iraq 15 days ago.
The soldier was killed in an accident involving a light armoured vehicle yesterday. His family have been informed.
In Basra, British troops shelled Iraqi positions after they came under fire earlier today. Further north, it was reported on Wednesday that US forces have moved to within 30 miles of Baghdad and have engaged in fierce fighting with elements said to be composed of Saddam's elite Republican Guard.
At a Washington press conference yesterday, US Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld said: "Coalition aircrews are delivering devastating air attacks on the Republican Guard divisions that ring Baghdad and Tikrit. Coalition forces are coming from the north, they're coming from the south, and they're coming from the west, and the circle is closing."
Meanwhile rumours surrounding the health of Saddam Hussein grew yesterday, after he failed to deliver a news broadcast scheduled for the Iraqi state broadcaster.
Iraqi Information Minister Muhammed Saeed Sahaf instead appeared to read a statement purportedly from Hussein, calling for a "jihad against the invaders".
A Pentagon spokesman claimed: "And despite the promise that he was going to appear, he didn't. The fact remains that there hasn't been a verifiable current picture of Saddam Hussein since this began."
(GMcG)
The soldier was killed in an accident involving a light armoured vehicle yesterday. His family have been informed.
In Basra, British troops shelled Iraqi positions after they came under fire earlier today. Further north, it was reported on Wednesday that US forces have moved to within 30 miles of Baghdad and have engaged in fierce fighting with elements said to be composed of Saddam's elite Republican Guard.
At a Washington press conference yesterday, US Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld said: "Coalition aircrews are delivering devastating air attacks on the Republican Guard divisions that ring Baghdad and Tikrit. Coalition forces are coming from the north, they're coming from the south, and they're coming from the west, and the circle is closing."
Meanwhile rumours surrounding the health of Saddam Hussein grew yesterday, after he failed to deliver a news broadcast scheduled for the Iraqi state broadcaster.
Iraqi Information Minister Muhammed Saeed Sahaf instead appeared to read a statement purportedly from Hussein, calling for a "jihad against the invaders".
A Pentagon spokesman claimed: "And despite the promise that he was going to appear, he didn't. The fact remains that there hasn't been a verifiable current picture of Saddam Hussein since this began."
(GMcG)
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15 December 2003
Iraq is likely location for tyrant's trial
The trial of Saddam Hussein should be held in Iraq, amongst Iraqi people, and Britain would not object to the execution of the former dictator if that is the judgment of the court, according to government sources today.
Iraq is likely location for tyrant's trial
The trial of Saddam Hussein should be held in Iraq, amongst Iraqi people, and Britain would not object to the execution of the former dictator if that is the judgment of the court, according to government sources today.
04 July 2003
Saddam 'alive' according to Al-Jazeera tape
The Arabic news broadcaster Al-Jazeera has released an audio tape today purporting to be the voice of Saddam Hussein saying that he is alive and well.
Saddam 'alive' according to Al-Jazeera tape
The Arabic news broadcaster Al-Jazeera has released an audio tape today purporting to be the voice of Saddam Hussein saying that he is alive and well.
03 July 2003
US announces $25m bounty on Saddam Hussein
The US is set to announce a $25 million bounty on the head of Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein – and $15 million for each of his sons. Initial reports from Reuters indicate that the US offical in charge of Iraq, Paul Bremer, will offer the bottom line bounty: alive or dead, as the US seek information on Saddam, Uday and Qusay's location.
US announces $25m bounty on Saddam Hussein
The US is set to announce a $25 million bounty on the head of Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein – and $15 million for each of his sons. Initial reports from Reuters indicate that the US offical in charge of Iraq, Paul Bremer, will offer the bottom line bounty: alive or dead, as the US seek information on Saddam, Uday and Qusay's location.
26 November 2009
Blair 'Tightened' After Camp David Talks
Tony Blair's view of the Iraqi regime "tightened" after talks with George W Bush at Camp David in 2002, according to the former UK ambassador in America. Discussions between Mr Blair and the US president were held in private, however, Sir Christopher Meyer said the prime minister's opinion on Saddam Hussein's leadership changed after the meeting.
Blair 'Tightened' After Camp David Talks
Tony Blair's view of the Iraqi regime "tightened" after talks with George W Bush at Camp David in 2002, according to the former UK ambassador in America. Discussions between Mr Blair and the US president were held in private, however, Sir Christopher Meyer said the prime minister's opinion on Saddam Hussein's leadership changed after the meeting.
24 November 2009
Iraqi Regime 'Wasn't UK Policy'
Removing Saddam Hussein from power was not perceived as a top priority for British diplomats in 2001, despite concerns over the threat he posed. Former intelligence boss Sir Peter Ricketts said no-one within the UK Government at the time was "promoting support" for a regime change in Iraq.
Iraqi Regime 'Wasn't UK Policy'
Removing Saddam Hussein from power was not perceived as a top priority for British diplomats in 2001, despite concerns over the threat he posed. Former intelligence boss Sir Peter Ricketts said no-one within the UK Government at the time was "promoting support" for a regime change in Iraq.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:It will be cloudy again throughout the day. Mainly dry in the morning, but patchy drizzle in places, becoming more widespread and persistent in the afternoon. Freshening southwesterly winds. Maximum temperature 12 °C.Tonight:Cloudy with a spell of heavy rain pushing south through late evening and the early hours, followed by some clear spells. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
