Bush sowing seeds of division - Iran

Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said that George W

Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said that George W. Bush sent a "message of confrontation" during his recent trip to the Middle East.

Mr Bush spent much of his visit to the region, which ended on Wednesday, rallying support among Arab allies for a strong stance against Iran - calling the country the world's top sponsor of terrorism.

"President George Bush sent a message to the Iranian people and all the nations worldwide," Mr Ahmadinejad told Al-Jazeera television.

"This message reflects his own conceptions and it is a message of rift, a message of sowing the seeds of division. It is a message of confrontation demeaning the dignity of mankind."

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The Iranian president said Mr Bush's statements were made for domestic political reasons. "They are in need of these statements for their presidential race. However, these statements increase the sentiment of resentment of the Iranian people against the US officials."

Mr Ahmadinejad also criticised Israel, saying the country was "rapidly doomed to collapse."

Israel yesterday successfully tested a new long-range missile, officials said, but Mr Ahmadinejad said Israel "lacks the courage to launch any attack against the Iranian state."

"They are aware that any attempt or strike will be confronted by a very strong response."

Tensions between Iran and both Israel and the United States have remained high over Tehran's controversial nuclear activities.

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