Iraqi Deputy Prime Minister Tareq Aziz today categorically denied that his country has any connection to the al Qaeda terror network, a day after US President George W Bush repeated the allegation in his State of the Union address.
"I absolutely deny that," Mr Aziz told ABC television from Baghdad. "Everybody in the region and in the world knows Iraq has no connection with al-Qaeda."
In his speech to the Congress and the nation last night, Mr Bush said that Iraq aids terrorists.
"Evidence from intelligence sources, secret communications and statements by people now in custody reveal that Saddam Hussein aids and protects terrorists, including members of al Qaeda," Mr Bush said.
Mr Aziz challenged Bush to put forth proof of such a connection. "Until now, this false accusation was repeated many times and no evidence was presented," he said. "Allow me to say that many respectable politicians and leaders in the world have said that we don't have any evidence that Iraq has any links with al Qaeda or with the terrorists."
Mr Aziz also said that Iraq was prepared for imminent war, which he called the "worst scenario."
"This nation is brave enough and capable enough of protecting its sovereignty," he said. "If they dare to invade Iraq, they will suffer great losses and they will lose in the end."
AFP