Posted on 02/27/2006 2:21:44 PM PST by HAL9000
Ousted Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein has called on Iraqis to unite and praised the appeasing role played by top Shiite cleric Ayatollah Ali Sistani, his lawyer said Monday.Saddam, who is on trial for crimes against humanity, called "for unity at all levels to stop those who want to trigger sedition and division", lawyer Khalil al-Dulaimi said in a statement.
The call follows last week's unprecedented sectarian violence in which more than 120 people were killed.
Saddam also "paid tribute to Ayatollah Ali Sistani, the religious authority, for his efforts to prevent sectarian strife".
The Shiite religious leader appealed for calm and asked Shiites not to attack Sunnis following last Wednesday's bombing of a revered Shiite shrine in Samarra, north of Baghdad.
"What has happened in Iraq and what has happened to the Iraqis is a consequence of the (US) aggression and its resulting destruction and ruin. God wants to test your will," Dulaimi quoted Saddam as saying.
The former Iraqi leader, whose trial resumes Tuesday, paid tribute to the tribes of Iraq, especially from rebellious Al-Anbar province to whom he dedicated a poem. He also sent greetings to his daughter Raghad, Dulaimi said.
How does Saddam "call on" anyone from his jail cell?
Yes, the whole nation grabs hold of a length of rope on one end, and Saddam's neck at the other.
Ratso Rizzo.
Exactly. Sounds more like Baghdad Bob at work.
Just hang the guy.
This is a complete farce because Saddam has been completely cut off from the outside world. He, himself, has no idea what's really going on.
I don't understand a thing they're saying, but I'm still laughing because of all the yelling and contention going on.
I asked one of the Iraqis "What are they saying?
He laughed, shook his head and just said "That Saddam is crazy."
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