Iran leader repeats challenge to debate Bush at U.N.
Sun Sep 16, 2007 5:40pm ET

TEHRAN (Reuters) - Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad challenged U.S. President George W. Bush to a debate on global issues at a U.N. summit in New York, state TV reported on Sunday, repeating a call rejected by Washington last year.

"I had suggested holding a debate. I am saying again that let us discuss global concerns at the (U.N.) General Assembly in front of representatives of other nations," Ahmadinejad told state television.

The White House rejected Ahmadinejad's last year call for a presidential debate, calling it a "diversion".


Ahmadinejad is due to visit New York for the opening of the United Nations General Assembly in September. It will be his third visit since he took office in August 2005.

During his interview with the state television, Ahmadinejad also condemned U.S. policies in the Middle East, including Iraq.

"I am ready to hold talks with Bush on important global issues at the assembly," he said. "Let us hold talks about Iraq and other issues. Then public opinion will judge ... We will offer our global solutions."

The United States severed relations after Tehran's 1979 Islamic revolution which toppled the U.S.-backed Shah. Continued...

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