Iran’s President Proposes Debate With Bush

Iran’s President Proposes Debate With Bush

TEHRAN (RFE/RL) — Iranian President Mahmud Ahmadinejad, during a televised press conference today, said Iran does not represent a threat to anyone.

He added that his government is willing to talk to the international community about all outstanding issues, but he questioned the veto right of the UN Security Council’s permanent members and defended Iran’s right to develop peaceful nuclear energy.

Ahmadinejad called Iran’s response to an incentives package aimed at convincing Tehran to abandon uranium enrichment a “very exceptional opportunity” to resolve the dispute. Iran denies it is pursuing nuclear weapons.

He said he believes it is unlikely the Security Council will act, but said Iran “will not bow to threats and ultimatums.”

In a reference to Israel, he also said Iran wants the “root of tensions” in the Middle East to be “removed.”

Ahmadinejad also called for a televised debate with U.S. President George W. Bush on world issues.

“I propose holding a live, televised debate with Mr. Bush, the U.S. president, so that we talk about world’s issues and ways to solve the world’s problems,” Ahmadinejad said. “We will announce our views and they would do the same, but under the condition that it will not be censored, especially for the American people.”

His comments come two days before a Security Council deadline for Tehran to stop uranium enrichment.