Ahmadinejad: UN, center for collective management of world affairs

Tehran, Sept 18, IRNA – President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said the United Nations was the source and focal point of collective management of the world's affairs.

He made the remark here Saturday before leaving Tehran for Damascus, Syria, on the first leg of his three-nation visit which would later take him to Algeria and then to New York in the United States where he is to attend the UN general Assembly.

Describing Iran’s ties with Syria and Algeria as good, President Ahmadinejad said he would discuss a number of regional issues including situations in Iraq, Lebanon and Palestine with his Syrian and Algerian counterparts Bashar al-Assad and Abdelaziz Bouteflika.

He also stressed that Iran’s ties with Syria and Algeria were warm and friendly and the officials of the three countries kept exchanging views on different issues.

The President also noted that his visit to Syria aimed at reviewing the latest regional developments with Syrian officials.

He also added since Tehran and Damascus shared same views on regional developments and adopted identical stances on many issues like situations in Lebanon, Palestine and Iraq as well as West’s policies in the region, they had to discuss the issues in order to be prepared to nullify any plots of enemies.

President Ahmadinejad is to deliver a speech in the millennium meeting, the UN General Assembly and Proximity among Religions and Dialogue for Peace.

Whil in New York, President Ahmadinejad said he would have a number of interviews with US media and press and would meet Iranians residing in the US.

He is also to hold meetings with officials from different world countries./end