TV shows Saddam cheered on street in first footage in public since war

BAGHDAD (AFP) Apr 04, 2003
Iraqi television Friday showed President Saddam Hussein being cheered on a street, in the first footage of the Iraqi leader in public aired since the start of the war March 20.

Saddam appeared in olive green military garb on the main square of the al-Mansour residential neighborhood of Baghdad, flanked by just a few bodyguards but packing a firearm in a holster.

The footage, which showed a scene in daylight, was broadcast at about 9:20 pm (1730 GMT).

Smiling broadly, the Iraqi strongman accepted several kisses of his hand from the jubilant crowd, which chanted "With our blood and our souls, we shall redeem you" and "Bush, Bush, listen well, we all love Saddam Hussein."

SPACE.WIRE