nomad Bedouin in the desert. They hit in a premeditated manner mosques, churches, schools, hospitals, civilian factories, bridges, main roads, telephone, electricity and water centers, irrigation dams, cultural centers and sites in the country. They hit targets that have no connection in any way whatsoever with the military effort or the military duel arena of which they have spoken.

          Their latest crime was the ugly and dirty crime of the premeditated bombardment of a civilian shelter. They killed and burned hundreds of women, children and old people. The aim of this unjust aggression was very clear, namely to proceed with the process of destruction which they want and to punish the proud, free and struggling Iraqi people, because it has chosen the road of freedom, independence and glory and has rejected humiliation, disgrace and submission to the will of imperialism and Zionism.

          The United States and its allies have waged a dirty and cowardly war against a courageous and faithful people. The history of peoples and nations and their fate are not decided by the material possessions of states and ruling regimes. How many strong and rich empires throughout history had fallen because they pursued the road of evil, cowardice, injustice and decadence! This is the fate of tyrannical America and its decayed systems. It is the fate of Zionism and all the imperialist forces by the will of God.

          Iraq has triumphed in this duel. It has triumphed because it has remained steadfast, courageous, faithful, proud and strong-willed. It has triumphed, because it has maintained principles and the spiritual values inspired by the true religion of Islam and its noble heritage. Its material losses in this battle, despite their enormity, are small compared to its spirit of determination, its firm belief in principles and strong determination to continue the course of renaissance and progress.

          O dear Iaqis, O honest Arabs, O Muslims who truly believe in Islam, O honest and freemen of the world: Proceeding from this firm and right feeling and this assessment of the nature of the showdown, and in order to rob the evil US-Zionist-Atlantic alliance of the opportunity to achieve, their premeditated goals; and in appreciation of the Soviet initiative conveyed by the envoy of the Soviet leadership; and in compliance with the principles outlined in leader President Saddam Hussein's initiative on 12 August, 1990, the Revolution Command Council has decided to declare the following:

          First: Iraq's readiness to deal with Security Council Resolution No. 660 of 1990 with the aim of reaching an honorable and acceptable political solution including withdrawal. The first step that is required to be implemented as a pledge by Iraq regarding withdrawal will be linked to the following:

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