Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad extended a formal challenge to US President George W. Bush in September 2006, proposing a public debate to coincide with the UN General Assembly session opening 12 September in New York.
Ahmadinejad framed his planned New York visit as an ideal setting for a televised exchange, saying he welcomed the format even if Bush wished to bring advisors. An aide confirmed the proposal was directed specifically at the US president.
The challenge echoed a similar call Ahmadinejad had made in late August for a live televised debate, which the White House rejected at the time, dismissing it as a distraction from the dispute over Iran's nuclear activities.
If he attended, it would mark Ahmadinejad's second appearance at the General Assembly, following his visit the previous year after his surprise election win. He framed the proposed debate as a chance to contrast what he described as a Western-imposed liberal order with a system rooted in justice and religious faith, arguing that dialogue was the surest path to global peace.
Historical summary. TurkishPress restated this wire report, first published in September 2006, in its own words.