Stewart Stogel, NewsMax.com
Thursday, Sept. 7, 2006

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UNITED NATIONS -- In a story first reported by NewsMax.com, U.N. officials confirmed "they expect" Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad to travel to New York City to attend the 2006 General Assembly.

The controversial Iranian leader attended the 2005 GA and held several "colorful" news conferences during that visit.

Ahmadinejad will be at the U.N. at the same time key members of the security council will gather to decide what type of sanctions to impose on the Iranian regime for its refusal to suspend its "enrichment" of nuclear fuel.

Washington insists that the Iranian action is a precursor to the construction of an illegal nuclear weapon.

Iran's U.N. mission in New York City had no comment on the expected presidential visit, however late Wedenesday evening, the Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA) confirmed that Ahmadinejad told his cabinet in Tehran that he intended to visit New York City and speak at the United Nations.

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  In addition to the Iranian president, the U.N. also confirms that Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez, another Bush antagonist, also plans to visit the Big Apple at the same time.

Both Ahmadinejad and Chavez will first visit Havana to attend the summit of non-aligned nations being hosted by Fidel Castro the week of September 11.

Recently elected Mexican president Felipe Calderon is also expected to attend and will have a private meeting with Bush during the New York City visit.

Bush is expected to address the U.N. General Assembly on the same day as Ahmadinejad, September 19. Bush will address the U.N. at 11:30 a.m., the Iranian takes to the same podium at 7 p.m.

In between the two addresses, both presidents are expected to attend a VIP lunch hosted by U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan. The 2006 General Assembly will be Annan's last. The U.N. chief expects to end his 10-year term January 1, 2007.

Despite the intrigue, White House spokesman Tony Snow said it is unlikely that Bush and Ahmadinejad will confront one another during the U.N. event.

"There's not going to be a steel cage grudge match between the President and Ahmadinejad," Snow said. "There will not be a U.N. version of [CNN's] Crossfire."

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