Iraq: Blair's warning to Saddam

Tony Blair last night warned the Iraqi President, Saddam Hussein, not to repeat the "fatal miscalculation" he had made over the Gulf War.

The Prime Minister described Saddam as a "still dangerous dictator", and used his Mansion House speech to show the Government's determination to back the United States in standing firm against the threat of conflict.

"We want to see a diplomatic solution and will work with others to achieve this in the next few days, but Saddam should not take as a sign of weakness the international community's desire to find a peaceful way forward if possible.

"He has made this fatal miscalculation before. For his sake, I hope he will not make it again," Mr Blair said.