General News of Wednesday, 17 April 2013
Source: Charles Addo
Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has brushed aside claims that his country is constantly engaged in diplomatic rows with the western world.
Addressing students and Islamic scholars at the Islamic University College in Accra on Wednesday, the Iranian president insisted that his country has only taken strong stance against what he termed as “oppressors of the world”.
President Ahmadinejad, whose visit some fear will damage Ghana’s reputation, stated that “Iran will always be against cruelty and injustice” in the world.
Speaking through an interpreter he added: “The world must stand up against oppressions. We must defend the world’s peace to ensure development.”
Dr Ahmadinejad, who doubles as the Chairman of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM), of which Ghana is a member, also condemned acts of terrorism in the world and urged that differences should be resolved through dialogue.
He also visited the Kwame Nkrumah Mausoleum and Memorial Park to pay his respects to the founder of Ghana’s independence.
He was accompanied by his wife and other high-ranking members of his cabinet as well as leaders of some government and private organisations.
Earlier, President John Dramnai Mahama held bilateral talks with Dr Ahmadinejad, which covered a wide range of issues bordering on political, economic and culture. The Iranian president agreed to collaborate with Ghana on disaster management and narcotics control.
Touching on the Middle East, the two leaders welcomed the need for continuous dialogue to bring lasting peace to the region.
Commenting on African development, the two reaffirmed the necessity of maintaining peace and stability and pledged their continued support for the AU and ECOWAS in this regard.
After discussions, the two countries signed several MOUs including; Memorandum of Understanding on Educational Cooperation, Memorandum of Understanding on Agriculture, Memorandum of Understanding on Tourism and Memorandum of Understanding on Youth and Sports.
President Ahmadinejad arrived in Accra on Tuesday on the last leg of a three-nation West Africa tour that took him to Benin and Niger.