Saddam Hussein on Sunday made his first public appearance since the gulf war ended, visiting a national war memorial to pray for Iraq's dead.

Baghdad Radio said the president visited the Martyr's Monument where he prayed "to invoke the mercy of God on the souls of our righteous martyrs."Iraq claims victory in the gulf war, which ended Thursday. Saddam chaired a meeting of the ruling Revolution Command Council Sunday to discuss "political developments."

Iraqi television released film of a smiling Saddam meeting with three aides to discuss restoring public services - his first televised appearance since early in the war.

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Electricity was restored to parts of the Iraqi capital Sunday night.

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