Larissa
19th March 2003, 18:06
Iraq's Aziz on Live TV to Kill Defection Rumors
Wed March 19, 2003 12:36 PM ET
BAGHDAD (Reuters) - Iraqi Deputy Prime Minister Tareq Aziz was shown on live television on Wednesday speaking to reporters in Baghdad, scotching rumors
he had defected or been shot trying to flee the Iraqi capital.
"I decided to meet you ... to affirm that we are ready to fight," Aziz told reporters.
The rumors had affected oil prices in New York trading and also circulated in financial markets as the 8 p.m. EST Wednesday deadline approached that President Bush set for Iraqi President Saddam Hussein and his sons to leave Iraq or face war.
Today there was a rumor saying that Aziz had quit and runaway, but he was shown broadcasting live on CNN a few minutes ago.
Wed March 19, 2003 12:36 PM ET
BAGHDAD (Reuters) - Iraqi Deputy Prime Minister Tareq Aziz was shown on live television on Wednesday speaking to reporters in Baghdad, scotching rumors
he had defected or been shot trying to flee the Iraqi capital.
"I decided to meet you ... to affirm that we are ready to fight," Aziz told reporters.
The rumors had affected oil prices in New York trading and also circulated in financial markets as the 8 p.m. EST Wednesday deadline approached that President Bush set for Iraqi President Saddam Hussein and his sons to leave Iraq or face war.
Today there was a rumor saying that Aziz had quit and runaway, but he was shown broadcasting live on CNN a few minutes ago.