The British Government is yet to be convinced of the authenticity of another purportedly live television address by Saddam Hussein.
Iraqi television last night showed Saddam claiming an imminent victory.
But British Defence Secretary Geoff Hoon says the address was pre-recorded, again raising the possibility the Iraqi dictator has taped several speeches to confuse Coalition forces about his status.
Meanwhile fierce Iraqi resistance in Basra in the south has prompted Mr Hoon to warn an end to the war will not come quickly.
"What we are seeing is the activity of relatively small numbers of desperate men, members of the security organisations or militias closely associated with the regime, who believe they have nothing to lose."
Prime Minister Tony Blair also says victory will come at a cost, predicting difficult days are ahead
