The United States (US) will not abandon its plan to attack Iraq even if President Saddam Hussein steps down.

Recently appointed Iraq Ambassador to Malaysia Kais Al-Yacoubi said the US' main aim was to destroy Iraq and Saddam's position in the country is not an issue that can sway the position.

"They (the US) will not stop the war even if Saddam steps down. The real aim is to stop Iraq. It is not Saddam. Everbody knows that. They know that too," he said in an exclusive interview with malaysiakini o­n Monday.

When asked to comment o­n allegations that Saddam is a repressive leader to his 20 million subjects, Kais said the Iraqis are ready to stand behind their president to fight against the Americans and to defend their home.

"Iraqis are intelligent people. If they don't like him, then why did they elect him again last October - as you know there was a referendum. The Iraqis are behind their leader - ready to fight the Americans. This outrages the Americans. The Iraqis are armed, they have trained themselves, they are ready for the Americans, if they come," he said.