(Reuters/file photo)

BEIJING, Aug. 22 (Xinhuanet) -- Former Iraqi President Saddam Hussein sought in a letter published Sunday to cast himself as a martyr, saying that he would sacrifice himself for Arab nationalism and to end foreign occupation.

    A Jordanian friend of his received the letter through the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), which verified its authenticity and said it had been censored by Saddam's American captors in Iraq.

    "I sacrifice my soul and very existence to the Arab cause and liberation of our homeland from foreign liberation," the former Iraqi leader said in the undated letter that was heavily censored by the U.S. military which holds him on behalf of the Iraqi government.

    "Life is meaningless without the considerations of faith, love and inherited history in our nation," Saddam said.

    In addressing his correspondent, Saddam said: "My brother, love your people, love Palestine, love your nation, long live Palestine."

    At the start of the Palestinian uprising against Israel, Saddam paid $15,000 to families of Palestinian suicide bombers, later raising it to $25,000.

    The money was believed to have been channeled through the Arab Liberation Front, a Baath party department in the Palestinian areas. Saddam also issued checks of $10,000 to families of Palestinians killed in other than suicide operations.

    Iraqi officials say the trial of Saddam, who is being investigated on possible charges of crimes against humanity and genocide, would begin within six weeks -- a timeframe in line with recent indications from the tribunal.Enditem

    (Agencies)