Ahmadinejad Challenges President George W. Bush To TV Debate

Mahmoud Ahmadinejad voiced defiance as a deadline neared for Iran to halt work the West fears is a step toward building nuclear bombs, and challenged US President George W. Bush to televised debate. In a news conference, Ahmadinejad condemned the US and British role in the world since World War 2 but made no direct mention of the international nuclear confrontation. “I suggest holding a live TV debate with Mr George W. Bush to talk about world affairs and the ways to solve those issues,” he said.The UN Security Council has given Iran until Thursday to suspend uranium enrichment - a process which can produce fuel for reactors or explosive material for warheads - and has threatened sanctions unless it does so. Washington has called for a swift response if Iran does not meet the deadline. But analysts say divisions at the United Nations about how to handle Iran's file could delay such a move.