US President George W. Bush said yesterday that Iran must abandon what he called its "nuclear weapons ambitions" in his speech at the 61st session of the UN General Assembly.

Speaking at the start of the general debate, Bush said that the United Nations has passed a clear resolution requiring that Iran meet its international obligation, and Iran must abandon its nuclear weapons ambitions.

But he claimed that the United States has no objection to Iran's pursuit of a truly peaceful nuclear power program and is working toward a diplomatic solution to this crisis.

Speaking to the Iranian people, Bush said "the United States respect you. We respect your country. We admire your rich history, your vibrant culture and your many contributions to civilization.

He said the Iranian people deserve an opportunity to determine their own future, an economy that rewards their intelligence and their talents, and a society that allows them to fulfill their tremendous potential.

"The greatest obstacle to this future is that your ruler has chosen to deny your liberty and to use your nation's resources to fund terrorism and fuel extremism and pursue nuclear weapons," Bush said.

Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said on Monday that Iran's nuclear program is very clear and very transparent. "We have always said that we are willing to negotiate with any country."

If nuclear energy "is something good, then everyone should have it, and if it is bad then nobody should have it," he said.