Saddam wants television debate with Bush

Iraqi President Saddam Hussein has challenged President George W

Iraqi President Saddam Hussein has challenged President George W. Bush to a live, international television debate about the Iraq crisis.

The Iraqi leader challenged Mr Bush to a debate along the lines of US presidential campaign debates. He was speaking during an interview with CBS News anchor Dan Rather.

A transcript of the interview was not immediately available.

A White House spokesman rejected the debate offer, saying it was "not a serious statement".

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