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Iranian Prez Banned From Ground Zero

Controversial leader sought to place wreath on 9/11 site

By Katherine Thompson,  Newser Staff

Posted Sep 20, 2007 3:46 AM CDT

(Newser) – Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has been barred from visiting Ground Zero to "pay his respects" during a visit to New York. The city's police commissioner said the controversial president would not be allowed to leave a wreath, citing construction barring visitors from the site. "If there were a further request, we'd reject it," said a police spokesman, who also cited security concerns.

Many politicians have spoken out against Ahmadinejad's request, both because of security fears and outrage that a leader with suspected ties to terrorists would ask to visit a memorial to the biggest terrorist attack in US history. Hillary Clinton called the proposed visit "unacceptable," while Mitt Romney slammed it as "shockingly audacious."

Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, left, addresses the media as he leaves the parliament after delivering a report of his activities on Iran's fourth development plan during an open session of parliament in Tehran, Iran, Tuesday, Sept. 18, 2007. Ahmadinejad on Tuesday shrugged off a French warning of war if Iran...
Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, left, addresses the media as he leaves the parliament after delivering a report of his activities on Iran's fourth development plan during an open session of parliament...   (Associated Press)
Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, makes his way to deliver a report of his activities on Iran's fourth development plan during an open session of parliament in Tehran, Iran, Tuesday, Sept. 18, 2007. (AP Photo/Vahid Salemi)
Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, makes his way to deliver a report of his activities on Iran's fourth development plan during an open session of parliament in Tehran, Iran, Tuesday, Sept. 18, 2007....   (Associated Press)
Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, center, smiles as he leaves the parliament after delivering a report of his activities on Iran's fourth development plan, in Tehran, Iran, Tuesday, Sept. 18, 2007. Ahmadinejad on Tuesday shrugged off a French warning of war if Iran develops a nuclear weapon, saying the comments were...
Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, center, smiles as he leaves the parliament after delivering a report of his activities on Iran's fourth development plan, in Tehran, Iran, Tuesday, Sept. 18, 2007....   (Associated Press)
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