DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) -- Saddam Hussein accepted an 11th-hour offer to flee into exile weeks ahead of the U.S.-led 2003 invasion, but Arab League officials scuttled the proposal, officials in this Gulf state claimed.

The exile initiative was spearheaded by the late president of the United Arab Emirates, Sheik Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, at an emergency summit held in Egypt in February 2003. The U.S.-led coalition invaded on March 19 that year.

A top official confirmed the offer Saturday, speaking on condition of anonymity.

Saddam allegedly accepted the offer to try to halt the invasion and bring elections to Iraq within six months, according to the official and Sheik Zayed's son.