'We will not surrender' says Saddam

Saddam Hussein has vowed he will not go into exile to stave off a US-led invasion of Iraq. He also said he would not blow up Iraq's oil fields if his country was attacked.

In an interview with CBS news broadcast last night, he declared that Iraqis would "stand by our principles" and that "the final truth would be decided in Iraq". He denied any link with al-Qa'ida. He insisted his al-Samoud missiles, which the UN says must be destroyed, are legal, and invited President George Bush to a debate.

"If you attack us, we will not surrender," he said. "We do not compromise our independence, our dignity, our freedom. At the same time, we comply with what has been put forth by the [UN] Security Council."