Press Release No. 131-03
01 April 2003
PRESIDENT SADDAM HUSSEIN SHOULD SERIOUSLY CONSIDER SAUDI SUGGESTION “TO
LEAVE FOR THE SAKE OF THE IRAQI PEOPLE” - OPLE

A meaningful end to the conflict in Iraq could be achieved if President Saddam Hussein listens to the strong suggestion of Saudi Arabian Foreign Minister Prince Saud al Faisal for President Saddam Hussein to step down from power for the sake of the Iraqi people, according to Foreign Affairs Secretary Blas F. Ople.

In an interview broadcast on ABC-TV, Prince Saud al Faisal said that "if his staying in power (is) the only thing that brings problems to his country, we expect he would respond to a sacrifice for his country, as he requires any citizen there to ... sacrifice for his country."

“There is much wisdom in the strong suggestion of the Saudi Foreign Minister. Perhaps with the greater good of his people in mind, and with more nations echoing the same sentiment, perhaps President Saddam might heed such a suggestion and end the war by leaving Iraq,” Secretary Ople said.

In several interviews a few months ago, Secretary Ople had floated the same idea, that President Saddam should consider leaving Iraq, as one way to avoid war.

Last month, during a meeting of the Arab League, the United Arab Emirates issued a call for Saddam to step down and leave the country to avoid a U.S.-led invasion.

“I understand that after the meeting of the Arab League, Iraq refused to accept an Arab League delegation after reports circulated that the members would raise the possibility of Saddam going into exile to avoid war,” the Secretary said. “With Saudi Arabia itself making this strong suggestion, perhaps other countries could support Saudi Arabia in convincing President Saddam Hussein to spare the Iraqi people from further humanitarian suffering,” he added.