Iran denounces U.N. measure against it

TEHRAN, Oct. 29 (UPI) -- Iran says its president's call for the destruction of Israel is justified and has condemned a U.N. Security Council statement admonishing him.

Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad made the remarks during a Jerusalem Day celebration in Iran, the BBC reports.

The day, marking the end of the Muslim holiday of Ramadan, is celebrated in support of the Palestinian people and their fight against Israel.

A statement from Tehran defended the president's remarks but also said it will not attack Israel.

U.N. Secretary General Kofi Annan joined Israeli and U.S. officials in denouncing Ahmadinejad's comments.

Officials from Egypt and the Palestinian Authority did so as well.