Ahmadinejad: Jesus would oppose 'bullies'

LONDON, Dec. 24 (UPI) -- Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad says if Jesus were alive today, he would oppose "bullying ... expansionist powers."

In a Christmas message to be broadcast on British television, Ahmadinejad said Jesus' actions during his lifetime indicate if he "was on Earth today, undoubtedly he would stand with the people in opposition to bullying, ill-tempered and expansionist powers," the British tabloid The Daily Mail reported Wednesday.

"If Christ was on Earth today undoubtedly he would hoist the banner of justice and love for humanity to oppose warmongers, occupiers, terrorists and bullies the world over," the Iranian leader said. "If Christ was on Earth today undoubtedly he would fight against the tyrannical policies of prevailing global economic and political systems, as he did in his lifetime."

Ahmadinejad said the solutions to the world's problems could be found in the teaching of the prophets, saying, "They were sent by the Almighty, for the happiness of humanity."

Britain's Channel 4 said it would broadcast Ahmadinejad's Christmas message, which is meant as an alternative to the annual holiday message from the Queen of England, The Daily Mail said.