Iran's President Defends Nuclear Program

Iranian President Mahmud Ahmadinejad (file photo) (AFP) 14 January 2006 -- Iranian President Mahmud Ahmadinejad said at a press conference today that his country has every right to have nuclear technology and rejected accusations that Iran was seeking to build an atomic weapon.

Ahmadinejad said Iran would not limit its nuclear program even if ordered to do so by the UN Security Council.

He also noted that Iranian authorities have repeated on many occasions that the country does not need nuclear weapons, and "the people who are seeking to solve all equations with force and bullying are people who want weapons."

The Iranian president said there is no evidence to support charges that Iran was interested in acquiring such weapons but there were people who "think they have the power and want to deprive Iran of its rights."

It was only the second time Ahmadinejad has given a press conference since his election in June.

(AFP)