In a televised address read by Information Minister Mohamed Said Sahaf, the Iraqi leader said both Iraq and Kuwait had been victims of the Gulf War in 1991.

BBC: Kuwaitis urged to expel 'infidels'

At the carol service, a packed hall enjoy the women's choir, watch the nativity play acted by children dressed in towels and blankets and listen to the army leader's humorous address.

BBC: Comfort in a cold climate

Cagaptay describes him as "the most powerful elected leader Turkey has ever had, and he has an opportunity to address the Kurdish issue" by advancing autonomy for Turkey's 14 million Kurds.

CNN: Kurds' ambitions add explosive element to Syria equation