Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad will address the United Nations General Assembly on Thursday, just one day after Iran released two American hikers who had been held for two years on suspicion of spying.
During past addresses to the U.N., President Ahmadinejad has denied the holocaust and expressed doubt about the official version of the September 11, 2001 terror attacks. Iranian media say Mr. Ahmadinejad's speech on Thursday is expected to focus on the themes of global management and fundamental reform of the United Nations.
On Wednesday, Iranian authorities released the two hikers, Shane Bauer and Josh Fattal, on a combined bail of $1 million, in what President Ahmadinejad called a “humanitarian gesture.” Many analysts say the move may have been intended to gain international approval for Iran's president ahead of his address in New York.
The speech comes as Palestinian and Israeli leaders are locked in a diplomatic dispute over formal U.N. recognition of Palestinian statehood. Palestinian leaders are preparing to submit their application for full U.N. membership to the Security Council on Friday.
On Wednesday, President Ahmadinejad told ABC News that he supports such a move, calling Israel an “occupying and illegal government.”
Meanwhile, U.S. President Barack Obama warned Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas on Wednesday that the U.S. would veto any U.N. Security Council move to recognize a Palestinian state. President Obama held separate talks with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, where he reaffirmed the U.S. commitment to Israel's security.
In a speech to the General Assembly, President Obama said there can be “no shortcuts” to the Israeli-Palestinian peace process, saying the dispute must be resolved through direct negotiations, and not at the United Nations.
French President Nicolas Sarkozy also addressed the world body Wednesday, proposing that Palestinians be given upgraded observer status while setting out a roadmap for direct talks with Israel to be concluded within a year.
British Prime Minister David Cameron and Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan are also expected to address the General Assembly on Thursday.
