Ahmadinejad - 'A referendum in Palestine'
Photo: AFP
Erdogan - Under criticism for invite
Photo: AP
Ahmadinejad: West should not support Israel
Iranian president launches fresh tirade against Israel ahead of contested visit to Turkey, says 'the life of this regime has come to an end'
Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad launched a fresh verbal attack on Israel on Wednesday on the eve of a visit to Israel's close ally Turkey, saying Western countries should not support the Jewish state.
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"Western countries should not support them (Israel) so much. The life of this regime has come to an end," Ahmadinejad said in comments translated into Turkish in a live interview broadcast by Turkey's NTV and CNN Turk channels.
"Our position is clear on this issue. A referendum should take place in Palestine. If they withdraw from invaded lands it would be a good step," he said.
Turkish President Abdullah Gul and Prime Minister Tayyip Erdogan have come under criticism at home and abroad for inviting Ahmadinejad.
Ankara has said his visit was necessary given a standoff between Iran and the West over Tehran's disputed nuclear enrichment program, but analysts said the visit was more about ensuring centuries-old ties during a period of global tensions.
Ahmadinejad said the talks on Iran's nuclear program were on a "good path."
