Saddam's younger son consolidates power

LONDON [MENL] -- The younger son of President Saddam Hussein is consolidating power in Iraq.

The London-based Al Hayat daily said on Wednesday that Kusay Hussein was appointed deputy head of the Iraqi military. Kusay replaced Gen. Izzat Ibrahim, who was sent to Vienna for medical treatment.

The appointment gives Kusay control of Iraq's huge armed forces. His superior is his father, Saddam.

Last week, Arab diplomatic sources and newspapers said Kusay was appointed Saddam's replacement in case of emergency. The report was disputed by sources close to Kusay's older brother and rival, Uday Hussein.

The Arab reports said Kusay has dismissed many of Uday's aides in key positions in government. Uday, who was crippled in an assassination attempt in 1996, has launched a comeback.

The A-Sharq al-Awsat newspaper reported that Saddam has returned 680 officers to their posts over the last week. The Saudi-owned newspaper said Saddam restored the positions of these officers after Iran issued Baghdad felt were threats.

Last week, Iran and Iraq traded charges durign the 11th anniversary of the Iran-Iraq war.