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Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, left, visits press fair, as he is accompanied by his Culture Minister Mohammad Hosein Saffar Harandi, in Tehran, Iran, Monday, May 8, 2006. The Iranian president wrote to President Bush proposing 'new solutions' to t
While calling for the "full liberation" of Palestine during public remarks Friday, Iran's president also called for the "disappearance" of Israel's so-called Zionist regime.
Addressing the possibility of the United Nations recognizing Palestine as its own state, President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said such a move would only be a "step forward" for the people's complete liberation.
"The recognition of an independent Palestinian government is not the ultimate goal," Ahmadinejad said, calling for "full liberation of the Palestinian land."
The Iranian president made the remarks, which were broadcast nationally, during Friday prayers at Tehran University.
Ahmadinejad also repeated his claims that the Holocaust was a fabrication used as an excuse for Israel's creation. He added that the Jewish state "had no place" in the Middle East.
"The goal of all believers and justice seekers should be focused on the disappearance of the Zionist regime," he said.
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Those in attendance at the prayer meeting reportedly shouted "Death to Israel" and "Death to America" as Ahmadinejad spoke.
U.N. officials were expecting to receive the Palestinians' application for official statehood on Sept. 20, when world leaders gather in New York for the 66th meeting of the General Assembly.
President Barack Obama's administration had indicated that it does not support the U.N. granting Palestinian statehood.
Israel was still counting on negations to resolve the long-lasting conflict with the Palestinians, with the goal being a two-state solution.
Ahmadinejad's words were delivered on "Jerusalem Day," an annual rally held in Iran in support of the Palestinians on the last Friday of Ramadan.
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