Occupation wants to privatize oil, Saddam declares himself resistance leader
Iraq-USA, Politics, 7/9/2003

Former Iraqi President Saddam Hussein has declared himself as a leader for the Iraqi resistance. He called on the Iraqis in a new taped message broadcast yesterday for "the unity of the rank" in order to "expel the invaders" considering that gangs and secret operations are the best way to resist the occupation as well as trade boycott and civilian unrest.

Hussein added in the tape which was broadcast by the Lebanese LBC and al-Jazira TV in Qatar that "the mission has now become yours: being Arabs, Kurds, Turkmans, Shiite and Sunni, Muslims and Christians. Your basic mission is to expel the invaders from our country." Thereby Hussein is placing himself, should the recording prove authentic, in the position of a leader for resistance.

He added in the recording which lasts 14 minutes that "returning back to the underground action methods is the best way" to challenge the occupation forces. Saddam stressed that he is talking from inside Iraq, adding that the "great people of Iraq are brothers because they are one people in one homeland."

Meantime, the US administrator of Iraq, Paul Bremer, said yesterday that Iraq should study privatization of its oil industry which is owned by the government and to open this industry up for foreign investment before a permanent government is in charge of the country. He added that a ruling council from the Iraqis will be appointed very soon, should give clear support for the redeployment of funds capitals for giving assurances to private sector investors.

He explained "Of course, privatization is an issue which need a lot of thinking.. when we sit with the ruling council, it will be an issue for discussion." Bremer added that the ruling council has also to study opening the door before foreign investment in the sector of communications and giving licenses to operate mobile networks. He also said that Iraq has to study such investments because it will not be able to ensure enough revenues for balancing its budget in the coming 18 months.

Previous Stories:
  Future Iraq army to be limited in size; Former soldiers to receive monthly stipends   (6/26/2003)
  Rebuilding Iraq is the toughest of all missions, Abizaid says   (6/26/2003)
  Planning begun for Iraq's reconstruction   (6/26/2003)
  U.S. Treasury moves to freeze funds of Iraq's 'Most Wanted'   (6/26/2003)
  Bremer sees economic freedom as vital to Iraq's future   (6/23/2003)
  USAID and reconstruction assistance for Iraq   (6/7/2003)

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