Developments in Baghdad are "natural" and were expected: Kuwaiti official

KUWAIT CITY (AFP) Apr 09, 2003
Scenes of jubilation on the streets of Baghdad and an apparent end to control over Iraq by Saddam Hussein's regime are "natural, welcome developments" and had been anticipated here, a senior Kuwaiti official said Wednesday.

"This is a natural development following (US-led) military operations which started three weeks ago to liberate Iraq and bring freedom for the Iraqi people," the official told AFP, requesting anonymity.

"It's what we expected in fact, from day one. I'm sure it will be a welcome development in Kuwait for many," said the official. "I hope one day we'll congratulate the people of Baghdad."

Euphoric crowds Wednesday greeted US troops advancing through the heart of the capital as President Saddam Hussein's grip on power crumbled.

US forces encountered little resistance as they moved through the city amid looting and signs that Saddam's 24-year stranglehold on the Iraqi people was disintegrating after a three-week war.

Kuwait, which is serving as the main launch pad for the war, was invaded by Iraq in 1990 and occupied for seven months before it was liberated in the 1991 Gulf War by a US-led coalition.

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