obama the world hero, page-2

Ahmadinejad has his doubts...

Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has demanded that President Barack Obama apologise for past US "crimes" against the Islamic republic, after the new US leader extended a hand of diplomacy to Tehran.

The Iranian leader also called on Washington to withdraw its troops from across the world as a proof of President Obama's promised policy of change.

"You were standing against the Iranian people in the past 60 years," President Ahmadinejad said in an address in the western region of Khermenshah that was broadcast on state television.

"Those who speak of change must apologise to the Iranian people and try to repair their past bad acts and the crimes they committed against Iran," he said, suggesting it could be a condition for any talks between the two countries.

In an interview on Monday with Al-Arabiya television, President Obama promised to lay down a framework for his policy towards Iran, whose leaders have long regarded the United States as the "Great Satan".

"As I said in my inauguration speech, if countries like Iran are willing to unclench their fist, they will find an extended hand from us," President Obama said.

"It is very important for us to make sure that we are using all the tools of US power, including diplomacy, in our relationship with Iran."

But President Ahmadinejad has launched a fresh tirade against the United States and said he expected "deep and fundamental" change from President Obama.

"Meet people, talk to them with respect and put an end to the expansionist policies. If you talk about change it must put an end to the US military presence in the world, withdraw your troops and take them back inside your borders," President Ahmadinejad said.

He said the advocates of change must "stop supporting the Zionists, outlaws and criminals" and also called on the United States to "stop interfering in other people's affairs".

"If someone wants to talk with us in the language that Bush used ... even if he uses new words, our response will be the same that we gave to Bush during the past years," he added.

Tension between the two nations, which severed diplomatic relations almost three decades ago, soared over Iran's contested nuclear drive, which many in the West fear is a cover for a secret atomic weapons program.


Ahmadinejad to seek second term

Mr Ahmadinejad will run for President again in June, an aide said in the first official confirmation he would seek a second four-year term.

President Ahmadinejad's rivals on June 12 could include moderate politician Mohammad Khatami, whose presidency from 1997 to 2005 was marked by improving ties with the West that have since deteriorated. Mr Khatami has said he is considering whether to run.

"Naturally [Ahmadinejad] will become a candidate for the next election and will put himself before the people's vote. Of course he is doing this to complete his duties," Aliakbar Javanfekr, a close aide to the President, said.

President Ahmadinejad has been criticised by opponents and some media for economic policies they blame for soaring inflation. Pro-reform politicians in particular have accused the President for further isolating Iran with fiery speeches against the West.

Iran is embroiled in row with the West, which says Tehran wants nuclear weapons. Iran denies this but has had three rounds of UN sanctions slapped on it for not halting its atomic work.

- AFP/Reuters

Dave R.