West interference in Iran's affairs could affect nuke talks: Ahmadinejad

Baku (Azerbaijan), Nov.19 (ANI): Iran's President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has criticized foreign attention on the case of Sakineh Mohammadi Ashtiani, who was sentenced to death for adultery, and warned that the West needed to lift pressure on the Islamic Republic if it wanted progress in talks about its nuclear program with six world powers tentatively scheduled for next month.

Speaking in neighboring Azerbaijan, the Christian Science Monitor (CSM) quoted Ahmadinejad, as saying: "The hearing on the case of Sakineh Ashtiani is still continuing, there is no problem in the investigation."

When he was asked if the judgment against Ashtiani would be carried out, Ahmadinejad responded that 53 women were sentenced to death in the US.

"The judgment passed there is called legal, while such a judgment in Iran is regarded as the violation of human rights. These forces seek political benefit from human-related issues. Why doesn't anyone speak about the executions there, while much is spoken about something that has not been realized in Iran?" he said.

Ahmandinehad said the West must drop their "exploitative approach" and aggressive stance on Iran's nuclear program, which Iran says is purely to generate electricity.

"But, if they want to talk to us using old methods, then they must know that the results of negotiations will remain the same. Iran has chosen its own path. ... Iran won't be scared by embargoes," he said.

Talks are expected to restart between Iran and the US, Russia, France, Britain, China, and Germany on December 5.

But they have yet to decide on a venue. Ahmadinejad has suggested Istanbul. The other countries want the talks to be held in Geneva. (ANI)