Putting an end to speculation that he was either dead or seriously wounded, Iraqi president Saddam Hussein went on Iraqi TV to address his people congratulating them on the steadfastness they have shown in the field of battle so far and asking them to give more to fulfill the Koran's message of martyrdom and the divine promise of Hell fire to the enemies of Islam.

In Cairo, Iraqi Foreign Minister Naji Sabri told reporters late on Sunday that President Saddam Hussein was alive and well despite intensive U.S. and British bombing of his palaces in the Iraqi capital, Baghdad.

"Mr. Saddam Hussein is very well, in good condition and he is leading our people and our fight against this colonial aggression," Sabri told reporters in Cairo ahead of a meeting of Arab foreign ministers on Monday.

"He is much better than Mr. (George W.) Bush and Mr. (Tony) Blair," Sabri said in a pointed reference to the leaders of the United States and Britain, which have launched an offensive to overthrow Saddam and disarm Iraq of alleged weapons of mass destruction.

"He is quite confident because he is a man of deep faith in God. He is loved by his own people," Sabri said, adding: "Mr. Bush is hated by his own people...by all peoples around the world."

Saddam's health and whereabouts have been difficult to verify since U.S. and British warplanes and missiles began heavy bombing of Baghdad on Thursday.

The Iraqi leader has been shown on state television since then, but there has been some skepticism outside Iraq as to whether these images were taped earlier.

U.S. and British officials have acknowledged they have no idea where, or how; Saddam is since the war started, but the Iraqi authorities have repeatedly said Saddam, his two sons and other senior ministers are safe and well.

PHOTO CAPTION

President Saddam Hussein speaks to his nation on Iraqi TV Monday morning.