March supports Iraqi leader

Press, 20 November 1982, Page 6

March supports Iraqi leader

Eleven' - Iraqi/ students marched in Colombo. Street at lunch time yesterday, carrying banners and shouting their ’support for the leadership of their president, Sadam Hussein. The Christchurch march is one of many which have been held throughout the world recently in support of Hussein. Mr Ahmed Tabaqchali said that Iran and Iraq had been at war for more than two years, but efforts to end the fighting had failed. “Iran has put some impossible'conditions forward before it will start talks,” he said.

. The 'main condition demanded by Iran was that Mr Hussein should resign, as Iran claimed that it .was fighting for the Iraqi people to liberate them from an oppressive regime, Mr Tabaqcfiali said. “Recently, Sadam Hussein, in a speech to the nation, declared that he is prepared to step aside if the Iraqi people think it is necessary. Four million people then marched in the streets all over Iraq in support of him, Mr Tabaqchali said. Speeches in Cathedral Square yesterday were made by Mr Nooreldeen Ali.