The Arabic-language television network Al Arabiya broadcast an audiotape said to be from Saddam Hussein on Thursday, marking the 35^th anniversary of the Baath Party's rise to power.

The voice on the tape said the US claims of weapons of mass destruction were 'baseless'.

Al Arabiya could confirm the voice on the tape was that of Saddam.

It is the first time the Baath anniversary will not be officially celebrated since Iraq's new governing council cancelled the July 17 holiday.

Meanwhile, coalition forces, said CNN, increased security in Baghdad to prevent Saddam's supporters from launching attacks linked to the occasion.