Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmedinejad defended on Tuesday his country's nuclear program, saying "all our nuclear activities have been completely peaceful and transparent."

 

 

Addressing UN General Assembly, Ahmedinejad said Iran, being a member of the international Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), has had "the most extensive cooperation" with the organization.

 

He said "In our opinion, the nuclear issue of Iran is now closed and has turned into an ordinary agency matter."

 

On the role of the UN Security Council over Iran's nuclear issue, Ahmadinejad said the most powerful organization in the World Body "was influenced by some bullying powers and failed to uphold justice and protect the rights of the Iranian people."

 

However, the president said, Iran is prepared to have constructive talks over its nuclear issue with all parties.

 

The US accuses Iran of developing nuclear weapons under the cover of a civilian program, a charge repeatedly denied by Iran.

 

Iran insists that its nuclear program is aimed solely at producing nuclear energy.

 

(Xinhua News Agency September 26, 2007)