Deposed Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein has called upon the people of Iraq to throw out the 'invaders' while promising them 'victory'.

In an audiotape believed to be recorded this week and procured by Sydney Morning Herald, Hussein says: "I am talking to you from inside great Iraq. I say to you, the main task for you, Arab and Kurd, Shia and Sunni, Muslim and Christian and the whole Iraqi people of all religions, your main task is to kick the enemy out from our country."

"I don't want to talk in details about the occupation and why and how, and I am going to focus on how to face these invaders and kick them out from Iraq."

The authenticity of the tape, however, could not be verified nor could the voice be conclusively proven as that of Hussein.

The Herald said two men gave the tape on Monday to its reporters in Baghdad. Reporter Ed O' Loughlin told CNN that the tape came into their hand 'by luck'. He said the men hurriedly drove away after giving the tape to him.