Saddam Tells People To Expect Long Disappearance

DEBKAfile

20 April 2003

DEBKAfile Reports: Intelligence sources authenticate Saddam’s voice – though not his image – on latest Abu Dhabi TV videotape of deposed ruler and son on Baghdad streets.

His separately recorded message lays stress on religious motifs, tells Iraqis to expect long period of his “Ghafla” (disappearance), presaging Bin Laden-style pattern of sudden appearances in between long absences