"We don't know what Saddam Hussein's status is," spokeswoman Claire Buchan said, after Abu Dhabi TV Friday aired what it said was footage of Saddam being feted by a crowd on April 9, the day US-led forces took the capital.

"What we do know for certain is Saddam Hussein is not in control in Iraq. He is no longer a threat to the Iraqi people, the American people, or the people of the world," said Buchan.

US President George W. Bush was following developments in Iraq even as he enjoyed a long Easter weekend at his nearby ranch, officials said.

The footage, which the channel said was supposed to have been aired by Iraqi television, showed the deposed leader, accompanied by son Qussay, carried shoulder-high by supporters chanting, "With our blood, with our soul, we will redeem you Saddam."

Abu Dhabi TV then aired a picture of Saddam and a speech purported to be his last in which he voiced confidence in "victory" over invading US forces and told the Iraqis that their "leadership is steadfast." It said the speech was also recorded on April 9 but not broadcast.

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