President Saddam Hussein told the Iraqi people Baghdad would be defended in a message read out on state television this morning by one of his ministers.
"The enemy is trying to enter Baghdad," Iraqi Information Minister Mohammed Saeed al-Sahaf said, quoting a statement he said was from Saddam.
"Let every family in Baghdad be assured . . . our faithful men will confront the enemy".
Most of Baghdad, without power, was probably not able to watch the short broadcast but it is likely to be repeated on radio.
Earlier today, Iraqi Foreign Minister Naji Sabri insisted Saddam was alive." He was seen yesterday meeting with ministers," Mr Sabri told BBC Radio in an interview from Baghdad. But asked if he had seen him personally, he replied: "It's none of your business to ask this question.
"It is not our business to reply to rumours and lies," Mr Sabri said. "Lying is the golden rule of the administration in Britain and in the United States".
Iraqi television showed footage yesterday of Saddam chairing a meeting of senior ministers. The television did not say when the meeting took place.
"The President is well, the leadership are well . . . and they are functioning as normal," Mr Sabri said. He said Iraqi soldiers would force US troops out of the country.
London and Washington say they believe most, if not all, Saddam's TV appearances since war began two weeks ago were pre-recorded, not live.
Agencies