Saddam calls Iraqi voters for referendum

Baghdad, Oct 15: President Saddam Hussein telephoned all Iraqis on Tuesday as they went to vote for his sole candidacy for a new seven-year term. Anyone picking up their telephone found the dialling tone had been replaced by the "Naam, naam Saddam" (Yes, yes Saddam) campaign slogan.

And it was followed by "All Iraq sings, `Saddam is the pride of my country`."

The Iraqi Communication and Post Co. had introduced the new dialling tone on Monday as part of the massive propaganda effort to support the president who is facing a US bid to topple his regime for allegedly failing to fully disarm.

It was due to return to normal after the festivities, the company said in an advertisement on state television.

Bureau Report