Aziz asserted: "The war will only only come to an end with the total and unconditional withdrawal (of the US and British forces) and the lifting of the embargo imposed on Iraq since 1991."

Speaking to the LBCI channel, Aziz promised his government "will accept neither a compromise nor a ceasefire with the invaders".

He also claimed the US should "pay the Iraqi people compensation for their aggression" and expressed his confidence in an Iraqi victory.

In Washington, US Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld denied rumors of ceasefire negotiations or a third party peace plan, saying the only thing that would be discussed was the regime's unconditional surrender.

"There are no negotiations taking place with anyone in Saddam Hussein's regime," Rumsfeld said. "There will be no outcome to this war that leaves Saddam Hussein and his regime in power. Let there be no doubt."

SPACE.WIRE