TV
Saddam Hussein has given his first TV interview in 12 years – to former Labour minister Tony Benn.
Having dismissed talks with world leaders, Saddam opted for former Labour MP Tony Benn, who spent an hour interviewing the Iraqi dictator. Weapons of mass destruction and Iraq's reported links with the al-Qaeda terrorist network are said to have been discussed in the meeting.
At a news conference, the 77-year-old peace campaigner said Saddam had been "courteous and forthcoming" during the interview, but he refused to disclose any of the leader's answers, and said the interview would only be released on the condition that it would be shown in its entirety.
The recently launched Arab Television network is selling the rights to the interview, but it is not yet known which channel - or channels - will show the interview in the UK. It is expected to air very soon, as time appears to be running out in the fight to prevent a new war in the Gulf.
Benn last interviewed Saddam 12 years ago, shortly before the start of the 1991 conflict – and helped to secure the release of Britons held as human shields after the invasion of Kuwait.
Speaking of his latest visit to Baghdad, he said it was "to explore possibilities of a peaceful solution to a problem, that otherwise might lead to the most catastrophic war in which innocent people will be killed with long-term consequences.
"I do believe that it is possible to halt the march to war," he added.
Having dismissed talks with world leaders, Saddam opted for former Labour MP Tony Benn, who spent an hour interviewing the Iraqi dictator. Weapons of mass destruction and Iraq's reported links with the al-Qaeda terrorist network are said to have been discussed in the meeting.
At a news conference, the 77-year-old peace campaigner said Saddam had been "courteous and forthcoming" during the interview, but he refused to disclose any of the leader's answers, and said the interview would only be released on the condition that it would be shown in its entirety.
The recently launched Arab Television network is selling the rights to the interview, but it is not yet known which channel - or channels - will show the interview in the UK. It is expected to air very soon, as time appears to be running out in the fight to prevent a new war in the Gulf.
Benn last interviewed Saddam 12 years ago, shortly before the start of the 1991 conflict – and helped to secure the release of Britons held as human shields after the invasion of Kuwait.
Speaking of his latest visit to Baghdad, he said it was "to explore possibilities of a peaceful solution to a problem, that otherwise might lead to the most catastrophic war in which innocent people will be killed with long-term consequences.
"I do believe that it is possible to halt the march to war," he added.
More: TV, War On Iraq
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