Supporters mark Saddam's birthday By Sonia Bakaric in Tikrit

SUPPORTERS in the hometown and last bastion of Saddam Hussein have declared their loyalty to the toppled tyrant on his 66th birthday.

While, some portraits have been torn down and statues smashed, slogans such as "Happy Birthday, Saddam Hussein" and "Saddam, we love you" could be seen in the city today.
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"He was the only Arab leader to say how much he hated Israel. We won't let Iraq become another Palestine."

Another former soldier agreed: "Saddam is irreplaceable."

He said it was Saddam who "gave us everything, life, security, and stability".

"We will beat the Americans."

Mohammed Hassan, another former fighter, claimed he was "ready to bring together 1000 soldiers to attack the Americans for Saddam".
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Asked about Saddam's disappearance, one old man replied aggressively before turning on his heels: "Who says he disappeared? We just don't know where he is, but he will come back to save us."

» The Australian: Supporters mark Saddam's birthday [April 28, 2003]