Iraqi President Saddam Hussein

January 17, 2000
Web posted at: 3:32 AM EST (0832 GMT)

BAGHDAD (CNN) -- Iraqi President Saddam Hussein, in a speech commemorating the ninth anniversary of the start of the Gulf War, said Iraqis will have to continue to sacrifice but will achieve victory. The taped speech was broadcast Monday in Iraq.

"You have sacrificed so much for your principles," he said.

	MESSAGE BOARD
Situation in Iraq

Highlights of the speech were also obtained from the Iraqi News Agency. The president said Iraqis must endure the demands of daily life to reach their goal of safety, an apparent reference to increasing hardship after nine years of trade sanctions.

The 1991 battle was launched because humanity delegated to the Iraqis and their army the job of opposing tyrants and opressors, the president said. He referred to members of the U.S.-Allied coalition as "swindling, evil and sinful" and said they will have to beg God to forgive them and beg God to persuade Iraqis to forgive them.

"Iraqis love their nation and their nation loves them...," he said.

He also referred to the continuation of war against Iraq, a reference to the trade sanctions and to regular clashes in the no-fly zones, saying none of that would make Iraqis change their course.