President Saddam Hussein Greets Christians, World on Christmas and New Year

24-12-2000

President Saddam Hussein has greeted Christians in Iraq and the whole world on the Christmas and the New Year.

In a message addressed on the occasion, President Hussein said these days humanity at large received this occasion, birth of Christ, peace be upon him, and the advent of New Year, to be followed immediately by the holy Eid al-Fitr, at a time our people, Moslems and Christians, were facing up, with deep faith in God, high confidence in victory and unparalleled capability of perseverance and jihad, to the conspiracy of an unjust embargo and a barbaric aggression going on for ten years now. “Through such conspiracy, the United States, Britain and Zionism, backed by the rulers of Saudi Arabia and Kuwait who had gone far in evil and treason, have tried, under illusion, to bend Iraqis’ will, bring them to their knees and master their independent decision, and even their choice to lead their life and build future in a way that would satisfy their aspirations and exalt them among peoples on earth, which is their due under all heavenly laws. However, God’s Providence and the high-mindedness and patience of sons of Mesopotamia have protected Iraq and its virtuous land, the land of prophets, Imams, Faithful and good people from being desecrated by imperialist aggressors trying to halt the ascent of the triumphant march.

“Such occasions have great implications and meaning, having coincided this year with the mounting Intifada of our mujahid, patient people in Palestine against the Zionist invaders, the desecrators of Moslems and Christians’ sanctities, on the land of Palestine, with its crown al-Quds, the first of two Qiblas and the third Holy Place, the point of departure for the midnight journey of Prophet Mohammed Ben Abdullah, peace be upon him, to the seven heavens. It is, hence, more befitting of us, as Arab Moslems and Christians and all honourable men in the world, to assume a stand of pride and honour in support of our people in Palestine against the Zionist conspiracy aimed at Judaizing al-Quds and other areas of Palestinian and annihilate its indigenous population, Moslems and Christians, with the backing of America.

“The true principles of Islam and the teachings preached and advocated by Jesus the Christ, peace be upon him, have made it incumbent on us to pursue, when confronting the enemies of God and humanity, a path that pleases God, glorified be His Name, and appeases our conscience. It is the path of jihad, without which we cannot attain our aspirations of establishing right, justice and peace and delivering humanity from the evils of aggressor, criminal killers.

“On this occasion, I would like to extend greetings to Christians in Iraq and to all Christian in the world, and to our dignified people who set the greatest example of jihad, steadfastness, capability and sacrifice to fill with pride the name of Iraq and to enhance its standing among world nations under the banner of Allahu Akbar, praying to Al-Mighty God to confer upon the people of Iraq outright victory over their enemies, and to enable us all and bestow us with the power and determination to have the honour of contribution to the liberation of Palestine, so that it will return as free and proud, from the River to the Sea. Our appreciation and love are also due to all those who have supported or expressed solidarity with Iraq against its ordeal.”