Abu Dhabi TV shows 'Saddam in Baghdad'

Abu Dhabi Television aired pictures yesterday of what it said was Saddam Hussein in the streets of Baghdad last week being greeted by a cheering crowd of Iraqis. A speech by the deposed dictator apparently made on the same day was also broadcast. The television company said the film was shot on 9 April, the day that American troops moved into the capital and a 40ft statue of President Saddam was pulled down by Iraqis and US Marines in the city centre.

The United States said it was studying the tape, which showed Saddam, in a black beret and military uniform, moving through the crowd as people cheered: "With our bloods and souls we redeem you, oh Saddam."

Helped by guards, Saddam climbed on to the hood of a car. He was accompanied by a man resembling his son, Qusay. There was nothing to confirm when the footage was filmed, although there was a background haze which could have been smoke from US bombardments.

Abu Dhabi Television also released a recording of a speech made by Saddam. He called on Iraqis to resist the American invasion and insisted he remained in charge.