Mr. Ahmadinejad will join other world leaders, including U.S. President George Bush, as the General Assembly meets in New York City.
On Monday, the president of Columbia University told Mr. Ahmadinejad that he exhibits all the signs of a "petty and cruel dictator."
University President Lee Bollinger challenged Mr. Ahmadinejad to answer questions on Iran's nuclear program, and its alleged human rights abuses.
The Iranian leader expressed dismay at what he called Bollinger's "insults." He defended Iran's human rights record and denied his country is seeking nuclear weapons or supporting terrorists.
Mr. Ahmadinejad's appearance at Columbia sparked protests from rights groups, the media and politicians.
The Iranian leader also would not directly answer on whether he seeks the destruction of Israel. He said his solution was a referendum of the people in the disputed areas.
Israeli President Shimon Peres said he thought Columbia University made a mistake in allowing Mr. Ahmadinejad to speak. Mr. Peres said the Iranian leader was telling lies.
Critics say Columbia University should not have given the Iranian leader a platform to speak. Bollinger said it was part of the American tradition of freedom of speech. He also said that Mr. Ahmadinejad's denial of the Holocaust made him seem ridiculous, and that he appeared either brazenly provocative or astonishingly uneducated. - VOA News
