"If they believe their illusion (and attack Iraq), by God America will be hurt. It is not in the interest of American people to suffer such harm on it (US), on its reputation and on its economy around the globe," Saddam was shown on Iraqi state television as telling a group of military officers.

"If they commit the evil aggression that they are talking about, their condition ... would be much worse than it is now whether in their reputation or the material consequences," he said.

"When we talk to the Americans in this way, we are not afraid of evil, but we are trying to avoid it, to drive it away, but when evil is determined, God willing, we break its neck in Iraq."

Saddam made no reference to a speech by President Bush in which he threatened to use the full force of the US military if Iraq did not disarm.

(China Daily January 30, 2003)