Iran's leader can't visit ground zero

[Poiuyt]

# Story Highlights
# Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad wanted to visit ground zero
# New York City officials said no because site is under construction
# The United States considers Iran a state sponsor of terrorism
# Leaders call request "audacious," "unacceptable"

NEW YORK (CNN) -- City officials in New York have denied Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's request to visit the site of the destroyed World Trade Center next week, a police spokesman said Wednesday.

The controversial, outspoken president wanted to "pay his respects" and lay a wreath at the site of the 2001 al Qaeda attacks during his visit to the U.N. General Assembly, Police Commissioner Raymond Kelly said, citing Iranian officials.

But workers are rebuilding the foundations of the site, "and it would not be possible for him to go where other people don't go," Kelly told CNN.

Iranian officials have not put in any additional requests to visit the public platforms at ground zero, police spokesman Paul Browne told CNN. But, he said, "If there were a further request, we'd reject it" because of security fears.

more -

http://www.cnn.com/2007/US/09/19/ahmadinejad.ground.zero/index.html

[saltpoint]

1. They're worried he might be a musicologist.

[no_hypocrisy]

2. Well, maybe as compensation they'll let him stand in the crowds outside

The Today Show set and hold a sign and wave at the cameras, and maybe, just maybe say hello to Willard Scott.

[Earth_First]

4. "...and here's what's happening in your neck of the woods:"

"Death from Above"

[C_U_L8R]

3. they've shamed all of us New Yorkers

what pea brains we have for "leaders".. geesh

[bdamomma]

9. yes, definitely pea brains

very unfortunate how they(our thugs and even Hilliary) continue to beat that drum huh?? what is the big deal let Ahmadinejad see Ground Zero.

[AtomicKitten]

5. the Big Hole isn't quite ready yet

[Lucinda]

6. Someone said on the CNN its because contruction has resumed

Which was also a lame statement.
Do they think he's a suicide bomber or something?
Let him go.

[C_U_L8R]

14. Total baloney

I walk by it ever single day.
yeah there is construction but anyone can go there
(unless they don't like you... some free coiuntry we got eh?)

[asjr]

7. When will we stop shooting

ourselves in the foot? Do they think he will bring a bomb with him?

[ShaneGR]

8. You know what, fuck him for trying to use it as a photo-op

I get enough of that from Bush, don't need some foreign leader with questionable motives doing it too. It's not a fucking backdrop, it's a gravesite.

[Poiuyt]

12. Maybe his motives are questionable, maybe they're not

It's just possible that, in his own way, Ahmadinejad is trying to reach out to the US and to the greater world community. Frankly, I was surprised to hear his desire to go to the site. I would reach out my hand and welcome him.

Ahmadinejad's ratings in Iran had been dropping until Bush started to rattle his saber, now they are going up again. Maybe if both sides were a little conciliatory towards each other we might have peace for a change.

BTW, how do you feel about New York putting up office buildings on the site. Not much of a memorial if you ask me.

[ShaneGR]

13. I don't like him, and I don't Bush...

Both are irrational overly religious sycophants for the powers that be. Just my 2 cents. But regardless, I'm just tired of people standing in that pit if it's not a memorial service.

[Va Lefty]

10. Can't have Americans thinking Iranians didn't have anything to do with 9/11

Must beat war drum. Fear Iran. Attack evil-doers. USA! USA! USA!

[Skip Intro]

11. "Ground Zero" - bushspeak outta the homeland, yo.

[annabanana]

15. #1) Iranians died in the 9/11 attack.

#2) Iran did not attack us on 9/11
#3) Iran supported our trip to Afganistan
#4) There were candlelight vigils in Tehran for the victims of 9/11

AND (if anyone cares) Iran is also following all requests from the IAEA regarding inspections and controls in their domestic nuclear programs...


Don't let the media let us bomb Iran!