Saddam Sworn In For 7-Year Term

Saddam Hussein was sworn in as president of Iraq for another seven years Tuesday, and thanked the nation for endorsing his leadership in a landslide referendum.

In a nationally televised speech, Saddam said Sunday’s vote had allowed Iraqis “to declare to the entire world that after a war and an embargo designed to exterminate them … they are still … a faithful and capable people.”

Earlier Tuesday, Saddam’s deputy prime minister announced political reforms that include parliamentary elections next year.