Iran defiant as deadline looms

TEHRAN – Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad maintained Iran’s right to nuclear technology yesterday -the day of a UN deadline to roll back on its nuclear programme or face sanctions.

“They should know that the Iranian nation will not yield to pressure and will not let its rights be trampled on,” Ahmadinejad told a crowd in the northwestern Iranian city of Orumiyeh in a televised speech. Ahmadinejad said enemies of the country were trying to stir up differences among the Iranian people, but “I tell them: You are wrong.The Iranian nation is united.”CNN’s Aneesh Raman said that in front of his keenest supporters in one of his provincial power bases the Iranian president attacked “intimidation” by the UN which he said was being led specifically by the United States.Ahmadinejad criticised a White House rebuff of his offer for a televised debate with President Bush.”They say they support dialogue and the free flow of information.But when debate was proposed, they avoided and opposed it.”The UN deadline for Iran to halt its uranium enrichment activities was due to expire yesterday with Iran showing no signs it intends to comply.No exact time has been set for the deadline.The International Atomic Energy Agency was yesterday expected to report on Iran’s continued nuclear activities.Yesterday’s deadline called for Iran to comply with UN Resolution 1696 – to end its nuclear activities – or face possible economic sanctions.cnnAhmadinejad said enemies of the country were trying to stir up differences among the Iranian people, but “I tell them: You are wrong.The Iranian nation is united.”CNN’s Aneesh Raman said that in front of his keenest supporters in one of his provincial power bases the Iranian president attacked “intimidation” by the UN which he said was being led specifically by the United States.Ahmadinejad criticised a White House rebuff of his offer for a televised debate with President Bush.”They say they support dialogue and the free flow of information.But when debate was proposed, they avoided and opposed it.”The UN deadline for Iran to halt its uranium enrichment activities was due to expire yesterday with Iran showing no signs it intends to comply.No exact time has been set for the deadline.The International Atomic Energy Agency was yesterday expected to report on Iran’s continued nuclear activities.Yesterday’s deadline called for Iran to comply with UN Resolution 1696 – to end its nuclear activities – or face possible economic sanctions.cnn