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_SEGRET7 752 U.S, Department of Justice Federal Bureau of Investigation In Reply, Please Refer to Baghdad Operations Center File No. March 13, 2004 DECLASSIFIED BY uc/baw 60324 ON 95-21-2009 Interview Session Number: 14 Interview Conducted by: SSA George L. Piro b6 SSA bic Arabic/English Translation: LS 2K Saddam Hussein (High Value Detainee #1) was interviewed March 13, 2004 ata military detention facility at Baghdad International Airport (BIAP), Baghdad, Iraq. Hussein provided the following information: e:4] After the cease fire of 1991, Hussein stated the goal of the Iraqi leadership was the rebuilding of the infrastructure of Iraq destroyed during the war. This included reconstituting agricultural and economic Programs. Hussein stated that Iraq rebuilt "almost everything" and started new programs in the areas of agriculture, education, and health. However, Iraq's efforts were hampered by the embargo, particularly affecting the health and education sectors. SO When noted to Hussein that several changes were made in the Iraqi government around this time including the appointment of individuals to new positions, Hussein stated, "This is natural." tn his opinion, such changes are a "regular" occurrence not only in Iraq but also in countries such as the United States. one such appointee, Abid Hamid Mahmoud, became Hussein's personal secretary at this time replacing the previous Hussein referred to Mahmoud as a "senior companion of mine" who had served as a member of the President's protective detail in the Himaya and Murafiqeen. Another individual, Tariq Aziz, was named as Iraqi Deputy Prime Minister. Hussein described Aziz as one of the early Revolutionary Command Council (RCC) members. In Hussein's opinion, Aziz "did not gain anything" with this appointment. Hussein Stated that he told the Iraqi leadership if he (Hussein) was to also have the title as Iraqi prime minister, he would need assistance from others. Thus, Aziz and Taha Yasin Ramadan were named as deputy prime ministers, This document contains neither recommendations nor conclusions of the FBI. It is the property of the FBI and is loaned to your agency; it and its contents are not to be distributed Outside your agency. te /