Iran sticks to nuclear programme

8220;The Iranian nation has resisted all bullies and corrupt powers and it will fully defend its all rights,8221; the broadcast quoted Ahmadinejad as telling people in Fuman. It did not say whether the president elaborated on the means of defence Iran would use.

Ahmadinejad declared that if his country reaches the 8220;peaks of technology and science, then it will be a role model8221; for other countries, state television quoted him as saying, apparently referring to nuclear power.

State television did not report whether Ahmadinejad mentioned the report on Iran given on Thursday by International Atomic Energy Agency8217;s report to the United Nations Security Council.

The IAEA told the council that Iran has ignored a UN Security Council ultimatum to freeze uranium enrichment and has instead expanded its programme by setting up nearly 1,000 centrifuges.

The report said Tehran also has continued to build a heavy water reactor and related facilities. It also said that Iran ignored a Security Council call to cooperate with the IAEA in its efforts to shed light on suspicious nuclear activities.

The conclusions are the basis for the council to deliberate additional sanctions meant to punish Tehran for its nuclear intransigence.

The key countries are to meet next week to develop a new UN resolution on the standoff.