SADDAM TO RETIRE IN SEPTEMBER, SAYS ARAB REPORT
Geschrieben von Freddie Mr. Burns am 14. Juli 2001 02:17:16:
JULY 13, 2001 -- SADDAM TO RETIRE IN SEPTEMBER, SAYS ARAB REPORT -- (Guardian
Unlimited) - Saddam Hussein is considering stepping down in September and
leaving the Iraqi presidency to his son Qusay, a leading Arab newspaper claimed
yesterday. If he does it could open the way to a "complete settlement" of Iraq's
problems with the international community, including the impasse over sanctions,
the Saudi-owned al-Hayat suggested. Quoting an unidentified European diplomat,
it said Qusay's recent promotion in the Ba'ath party and the expansion of his
responsibilities marked "the first step in a series which will reach its
climax in September, when Saddam will announce his resignation in favour of his
younger son". Iraq-watchers were overwhelmingly sceptical. A spokesman for the
US-backed opposition, the Iraqi National Congress, dismissed it instantly. "It's
like a story from the Thousand and One Nights," he said. "Saddam has such a grip
he won't give power to his son." But according to the diplomat quoted by
al-Hayat he will retain "an honorary post" close to the presidency after
retiring. Although the removal of President Saddam is a declared US goal, it is
not among the conditions set by the UN security council for lifting sanctions.
The resignation scenario may have been floated to see if it leads to a thaw in
international relations. The diplomat was quoted as saying that Washington and
other capitals were being consulted about it and it would only take place if the
Americans agreed. The rivalry between his sons Uday, 38, and Qusay, 35, has led
to fears of a bloodbath if he were to die in office. Uday has a playboy image
but is described by opposition groups as a rapist and serial killer. Qusay, who
runs the Special Security Organisation and the Republican Guard, is considered a
slightly less undesirable successor.