Ahmadinejad wants talks in front of media

TEHRAN, July 5 (UPI) -- Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad told medical school deans Saturday negotiations with the United States should be done in front of the media.

The Iranian Student News Agency quoted Ahmadinejad as telling the deans the recent presidential election has put Iran in a stronger position to confront President Barack Obama, CNN reported.

"I will go to the United Nations and will invite Obama to negotiations," Ahmadinejad said.

He said talks should be conducted "in front of the international media, not a sit-down behind closed doors in order to talk about matters."

Ahmadinejad has accused the United States and other western countries of "meddling" in Iranian affairs for criticizing the results of the elections.

Also Saturday, a senior group of Iranian clergy issued a statement that harshly criticized Ayatollah Ali Khameini and the government for proclaiming Ahmadinejad's re-election and using force against protesters.