">Forum Views ()
">Forum Replies ()
Read more with google mobile :
Iran's Ahmadinejad wants to debate Obama at UN
Yahoo!
My Yahoo!
Mail
Yahoo! Search
Search:
Sign InNew User? Sign Up
News Home -
Help
Navigation
Primary Navigation
Home
Singapore
Asia Pacific
World
Business
Entertainment
Sports
Technology
Top Stories
Most Popular
Secondary Navigation
Africa
Europe
Latin America
Middle East
North America
Search
Search:
Iran's Ahmadinejad wants to debate Obama at UN
AP - Tuesday, May 26
TEHRAN, Iran - Mahmoud Ahmadinejad proposed on Monday a face-to-face debate with President Barack Obama at the United Nations if he is re-elected next month as Iran's president.
ADVERTISEMENT
But he balanced the offer with a sharp rebuke to Washington and its allies over Iran's nuclear program. He reiterated that Iran would never abandon its advances in uranium enrichment in exchange for offers of easing sanctions or other economic incentives.
The nuclear issue "is closed," he told a news conference.
Obama has urged a "serious process of engagement" after Iran's elections in an effort to end a nearly 30-year diplomatic chill. However last week, the American leader said the U.S. was prepared to seek deeper international sanctions against Tehran if it did not respond positively to the attempts to open negotiations on its nuclear program. Obama set a year-end deadline for Iran to show it wanted to engage with Washington.
The tough talk on nuclear negotiations following Iran's test last week of a long-range missile appear aimed at burnishing Ahmadinejad's hard-line credentials in the election campaign against another conservative and two pro-reform candidates.
His offer of to debate Obama could also be campaign posturing before the June 12 vote. But it does put Ahmadinejad on record as supporting a potentially groundbreaking encounter following Obama's offer for dialogue.
Ahmadinejad said that, if re-elected, he would be open to "debate global issues as well as world peace and security" during the U.N. General Assembly in September.
There was no immediate reaction from Washington.
On the nuclear issue, Ahmadinejad ruled out talks with the U.S. He said Iran's stand is "crystal clear" and Tehran would only discuss the subject within the framework of the U.N. nuclear watchdog, the International Atomic Energy Agency.
Ahmadinejad has often denounced the West for trying to pressure Iran to give up it uranium enrichment program, a process that can produce fuel for both nuclear energy and nuclear weapons. Tehran insists it is only to fuel peaceful reactors, but the West worries could lead to nuclear weapons development.
His latest comments appear to be part of a campaign strategy to portray himself as the only candidate capable to defending Iran's nuclear technology.
Last week, he accused his reformist predecessor, Mohammad Khatami, of bringing "humiliation" on Iran by agreeing to suspend uranium enrichment from 2003-5 as a confidence-building measure with the West.
That also served as a direct shot at Ahmadinejad's main reformist challenger, Mir Hossein Mousavi, who is backed by Khatami.
Ahmadinejad also faces another hard-liner, former Revolutionary Guard commander Mohsen Rezaei, and a moderate, former parliament speaker Mahdi Karroubi, in the four-way race.
The campaign took a bitter turn over the weekend when reformists accused Ahmadinejad's supporters in the Islamic regime of blocking the popular social networking site Facebook, which has become an important tool to mobilize Iran's crucial youth vote.
More than half Iran's population was born after the 1979 Islamic Revolution and young voters represent a huge potential bloc for pro-reform candidates.
Ahmadinejad sidestepped questions about whether authorities ordered a Facebook block late last week. But he said he believed "in maximum freedom of expression."
"There are many Web sites active in the world that can be accessed in Iran. Many Web sites are against the government," he said, adding that officials "don't need to shut any sites shut down."
But Iran has cut off access to many blogs and Web sites critical of the Islamic regime and its ruling clerics. Media groups and others have strongly criticized Iran's clampdown on the web.
Mohammad Ali Abtahi, a former vice president and a top adviser to Karoubi's campaign, called the Facebook block "painful news for young and educated Iranians."
"(Ruling authorities) would only like their voice heard," he wrote in an e-mailed protest, claiming his own Facebook site had attracted more than 3,000 followers. "Any other voice (for them) is intolerable."
Email Story
IM Story
Printable View
Blog This
Sign in to recommend this article »
0 users recommend
Related Articles: World
UK-World SummaryReuters - 2 hours 36 minutes ago
Peru navy ship holding fuel stranded in GalapagosAFP - Tuesday, May 26
'I love nerds': For spellers, dorky's the new coolAP - Tuesday, May 26
Hometown street poles salute soldiers in war zonesAP - Tuesday, May 26
Vargas Llosa's son detained at Venezuelan airportAP - Tuesday, May 26
Most Popular – World
Viewed
Climate change: World's destiny at stake
G8 hears oil prices could again soar when crisis eases
World Bank chief warns about economic crisis
Vitamin D boosts brain power in middle-aged men
Smokers duped by light cigarettes: US court
View Complete List »
Search:
Home
Singapore
Asia Pacific
World
Business
Entertainment
Sports
Technology
Top Stories
Most Popular
Copyright © 2009 Yahoo! Southeast Asia Pte Ltd. (Co. Reg. No. 199700735D). All Rights Reserved.
Privacy Policy
- Terms of Service
- Community
- Intellectual Property Rights Policy
- Help
Other News on Tuesday, 26 May 2009 Church of Scientology on trial in France
Geithner rejects charges US moving toward socialism
ABN Amro reports loss in first quarter
Abbas to press Obama on Israeli settlement issue
| International
|
G8 hears oil prices could again soar when crisis eases
Cyclone slams Bangladesh and India, 33 dead
| International
|
Iran arrests 104 devil worshippers: report
| International
|
Opposition wins Mongolia presidential election
| International
|
Japan's central bank says recession may end soon
India's Bharti renews tie-up talks with MTN
BoJ chief sees 'mild recovery' for Japan
Asia Crude-Taiwan CPC buys Urals, 4th month in a row
Swat unrest prompts strike in Pakistan finance hub
S.Korea BOK to roll over half of maturing FX swaps
China plans 440-bln dlr stimulus for green energy
Seoul shares dip; investors shrug off N.Korea
S.Korean won recovers from losses on North Korea
China to resume IPOs as early as next month: govt
Komodo dragon attacks terrorize Indonesia villages
Church of Scientology on trial in France
Disturbing 'provocateur' movies at Cannes
Monica Bellucci's flat burgled while at Cannes
| Entertainment
|
Radio Canada rapped for Obama assassination joke
| Entertainment
|
Theatre fans up in arms over Marcel Marceau auction
| Entertainment
|
Hillary Clinton To Receive Honorary Degree From Yale University
In Second Statement, Obama Warns Of U.S. Determination To 'Stand Up' To North Korean Threat
Memorial Day National Moment Of Rememberance At 3p.m.
Americans Vactioning Closer To Home Memorial Day Weekend
Twin-Engine Plane Crashes In Daytona Beach; 1 Reported Dead
Update: U.N. Security Council To Meet, Discuss North Korean Nuclear Test
Air strike on Sudan convoy kills 119
European farmers protest to demand help on milk prices
North Korea fires more rockets, says U.S. hostile
| International
|
Israel behind new claims on Hariri murder: Hezbollah
Ukrainian gas repayments situation 'very difficult': Gazprom
Climate change: World's destiny at stake
Hard-line Israeli party to introduce loyalty bill
Iran's Ahmadinejad rejects Western nuclear proposal
| International
|
Iran says warships sent to Gulf of Aden
Suu Kyi to testify as Myanmar opens court again
| International
|
Germany eyeing Opel decision 'midweek'
China says being demonized over fake drugs
| International
|
Picking up the pieces from Afghanistan's war
| International
|
Air strike on Sudan convoy killed 119: state media
| International
|
Climate change: World's destiny at stake
Twitter eyes foray into TV
| Technology
|
Dying bulldog saves owner from Grand Rapids fire
Morning blast shatters windows in NYC Starbucks
Hillary Rodham Clinton surprises Yale graduates
Ship to become 2nd largest intentional reef
Mich professor, son each get Fulbright scholarship
After nuclear test, NKorea 'readying missile test'
Safety concerns put spotlight on U.S. commuter airlines
Malaysia's Sime Darby Q3 profit down 86 pct
Feds target Detroit area as Medicare fraud rises
Malaysian shares up 0.75 percent
Obama: N. Korea 'recklessly challenging' the world
Malaysia's Anwar vows tough defence in sodomy trial
Atlantis, crew land in Calif. after Hubble mission
Powerful cyclone leaves 15 dead in Bangladesh, India
France's Dassault likely back in race for Indian warjet deal
Task force to protect Philippine politicians: police
India's Bharti, SAfrica's MTN in fresh merger talks
US Speaker Pelosi tours China's financial hub
Pakistan battles for Swat capital, 2.38m uprooted
World fury over North Korea nuclear bomb test
Taiwan dollar down on Asian peers, c.bank comments
Thailand's economy shrinks 7.1 percent in Q1
China shares rise despite possible end of IPO ban
S.Korean markets recover from N.Korea nuclear shock
Mel Gibson says girlfriend is pregnant
| Entertainment
|
Twitter eyes foray into TV
| Entertainment
|
Broadcasters gear up for time-slot battles
| Entertainment
|
Brian Eno lights up Sydney Opera House for global warming
| Entertainment
|
Iran artists urge anti-Ahmadinejad vote
Italians try to calm fears of football fans violence
Springsteen, Spinal Tap to rock Glastonbury 2009
Coast Guard Searches Gulf Of Mexico For High School Grad Who Fell From Cruise Ship
Buffy the Vampire Slayer returning to big screen
| Entertainment
|
Gust Of Wind Sends Chopper Crashing Into New Hampshire Lake
Mexico invests big to lure back tourists
Chicagoan 12th Person in U.S. To Die From Swine Flu
Monica Bellucci's Paris flat burgled
| Entertainment
|
Two Children Drown When Florida Storm Overturns Boat
Austria hails Cannes heroes as trophy cabinet bulges
Versace says no friction between Donatella and CEO
| Entertainment
|
Sick Boy, Mom Return Home after Week's Disappearance
Web service Twitter plans TV competition series
NYPD Links Starbucks Blast To Other Bombings
Danny Boyle, Andie MacDowell on Shanghai film jury
Unlikely UK sensation Boyle sings rousing `Memory'
Afghan bomb attack kills three US soldiers: military
Virgin Atlantic says annual profits almost double
Pakistanis in Swat face catastrophe; clashes spread
| International
|
Reformist accuses Ahmadinejad of driving inflation
Russian economic outlook, deficit worsen
Sarkozy opens French military base in Gulf
Abbas to ask Obama to press Israel on settlements
| International
|
Israel to propose settlement compromise to US
Russian economy contracts 10.5 pct in April
British Beauty Queen Danielle Lloyd Attacked By Two Women During Night Out With Friends And Boyfriend
Twitter Says There Will Be No "Official" Reality Show
Five killed in Russian Caucasus violence
U.N. rights chief calls for Sri Lanka investigation
| International
|
Japan mouse study finds hair-loss gene: researcher
Gabrielle Union Wants Gossip Website To Take Down Scandalous Anonymous Letter Against Her
Cyclone Aila kills nearly 120 in Bangladesh, India
| International
|
Iran's Ahmadinejad wants to debate Obama at UN
Billy Joel's Ex-Drummer Sues Him For Unpaid Royalties
Curfew imposed in India's Punjab after riots
| International
|
Pre-state Jewish underground leader dies at 91
GM reaches cost-cutting deal with Canadian union
H1N1 flu infects 13,000 people in 46 countries: WHO
| International
|
Monica Bellucci's Paris Apartment Burglarized
Former Wilco Member Jay Bennet Dies At Age 45
T.I.'s Request To Delay Prison Term Denied, To Report In Jail Tuesday
Stampede At Moroccan Music Festival Kills 11
France urges US to catch up on emissions cuts
Pelosi calls for US-Chinese climate cooperation
"SYTYCD" Judge Nigel Lythgoe Says Sorry For "Brokeback" Comments
Govt to announce billions for green jobs, training
Kevin Bacon's Blackberry Snatched In NY Subway Station
Study: businesses can create clean energy jobs
Nokia opens Ovi online software and content store
| Technology
|
Renown climber warns Everest facing climate damage
Netanyahu willing to 'give up outposts'
Dalai Lama likely to be honored by Paris mayor
Asustek aims to be No.3 laptop vendor in 2011
| Technology
|
Israelis to hold talks with US on Iran, settlements
HP recalls 15,000 laptop batteries sold in China
| Technology
|
South Korea says 3 Americans among 4 new flu cases
China, SKorea defense chiefs discuss nuclear test
Malaysian opposition MPs arrested at hunger strike
Myanmar's Suu Kyi denies charges at trial
NASA scrubs first Sunday shuttle landing try
Four kidnapped teachers freed in Philippines
73 killed as Cyclone Aila hits India, Bangladesh
Pelosi calls for US-Chinese climate cooperation
China TV, IMG to stage China Open tennis
Myanmar's Suu Kyi testifies about American visitor
Nikon to slash 1,000 jobs amid looming loss
Myanmar's Suu Kyi denies violating house arrest
Nikon to cut 1,000 jobs amid looming loss
Philippines March imports fall 36.2%
Taiwan dollar softens on North Korea news, c.bank
S.Korean c.bank member wanted rate cut in April
China defends safety of drug exports
No impact on South Korea ratings from North -Fitch
Japan's Nikon to cut 1,000 jobs
Hainan Air gives parent firms shares for state aid
Glastonbury returns to roots, Springsteen headlines
| Entertainment
|
Indonesian anteater carcasses headed for China
Rapper T.I. to report to Ark. federal prison
Marcel Marceau's top hat hits Paris auction blocks
Rare Audrey Hepburn stamp goes to auction
Darrow study brings `Trials of Century' to life
Book navigates crosscurrents of immigration
Q&A: `Fight Club' author has a new small hero
Worried book industry gathers for convention
Taiwan invests in future of baseball
California court to rule on gay marriage ban
Finding peace after living a family 'lie'
Canada's Governor General Eats Raw Seal Heart To Support Traditional Hunting
Hairspray Bacteria, No-Buzz Coffee Bean Among Top New Species
Police Find Man Passed Out In Silverdale Wendy's Drive-Thru
Cocaine Content Sparks Ban On Energy Drink In German States
Greece at new risk of being pushed off euro
Bodies of missing Tenn. mom, Jo Ann Bain, and daughter found
Female Breasts Are Bigger Than Ever
AMD Trinity Accelerated Processing Units Now in Volume Production
The Avengers (2012 film), made the second biggest opening- and single-day gross of all-time
AMD to Start Production of piledriver
Ivy Bridge Quad-Core, Four-Thread Desktop CPUs
Islamists Protest Lady Gaga's Concert in Indonesia
Japan Successfully Broadcasts an 8K Signal Over the Air
ECB boosts loans to 1 trillion Euro to stop credit crunch
Egypt : Mohammed Morsi won with 52 percent
What do you call 100,000 Frenchmen with their hands up
AMD Launches AMD Embedded R-Series APU Platform
Fed Should not Ignore Emerging Market Crisis
Fed casts shadow over India, emerging markets
Why are Chinese tourists so rude? A few insights