Saturday, July 30, 2005

New Iran Leader to Address U.N.

The New York Times:
Iran's incoming conservative president, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, is planning to address the United Nations General Assembly in September on his first official trip abroad despite investigations by the United States about whether he took part in the siege at the American Embassy in Tehran in 1979.

Iran and the United States severed diplomatic ties after students took diplomats, military officers and others hostage. Mr. Ahmadinejad has denied accusations by some former hostages that he took part. As the head of the government of a United Nations member state, he will have diplomatic immunity on his trip.

Mr. Ahmadinejad, who is to take office on Aug. 6, plans to speak about Iran's nuclear activities and foreign policy, the Fars news agency reported Saturday.

The Islamic Republic News Agency says Iranian President's NY Visit Not Diplomatic Gesture.