Cheney says Saddam-9/11 link not found

WASHINGTON, June 2 (UPI) -- Former U.S. Vice President Dick Cheney defended the U.S. invasion of Iraq although no evidence has tied Saddam Hussein to the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks.

Cheney defended former President George W. Bush's decision to invade Iraq, arguing that Saddam's previous support for known terrorists was a serious threat after the terrorist attacks on U.S. soil, CNN reported.

In an appearance Monday at the National Press Club, Cheney said he intends to defend the Bush administration's national security decision-making because "a clear understanding of policies that worked (in protecting the United States) is essential."

"I do not believe and have never seen any evidence to confirm that (Saddam) was involved in 9/11. We had that reporting for a while, (but) eventually it turned out not to be true," Cheney said.

However, the former dictator was "somebody who provided sanctuary and safe harbor and resources to terrorists," Cheney said. "(It) is without question, a fact."

U.S. forces captured Saddam in Iraq in December 2003. In November 2006, the former Iraqi leader was convicted of crimes against humanity and sentenced to death. He was executed the following month.