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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Terrorist al Zarqawi vows ‘bitter war’ on democracy

Knight Ridder

BAGHDAD, Iraq – Members of the Iraqi government downplayed a purported threat from the nation’s most-wanted terrorist Sunday that there will be a “fierce war” on election day, calling the statement a desperate move to reinvigorate a dying insurgency.

In a 35-minute tape posted on two Islamic Web sites, a voice claiming to be Abu Musab al Zarqawi said that anyone who participates in next Sunday’s elections – voters or candidates – will be considered an enemy of God.

“We have declared a bitter war against democracy and all those who seek to enact it,” al Zarqawi said.

Next Sunday, voters will choose a 275-member National Assembly that will craft the nation’s constitution.