TEHRAN, Jan 28: Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad demanded on Wednesday that President Barack Obama apologise for past US “crimes” against the Islamic republic, after the new US leader extended a hand of diplomacy to Tehran.

The Iranian leader also called on Washington to withdraw its troops from across the world as a proof of Obama’s promised policy of change.

“You were standing against the Iranian people in the past 60 years,” Mr Ahmadinejad said in an address in the western region of Khermenshah that was broadcast on state television.

“Those who speak of change must apologise to the Iranian people and try to repair their past bad acts and the crimes they committed against Iran,” he said, suggesting it could be a condition for any talks between the countries.

In an interview with Al-Arabiya television, Mr Obama had promised to lay down a framework for his policy towards Iran. “As I said in my inauguration speech, if countries like Iran are willing to unclench their fist, they will find an extended hand from us,” he said.

But Mr Ahmadinejad on Wednesday launched a fresh tirade against the United States and said he expected “deep and fundamental” change from President Obama.

“Meet people, talk to them with respect and put an end to the expansionist policies. If you talk about change it must put an end to the US military presence in the world, withdraw your troops and take them back inside your borders,” he said.

The Iranian president said the advocates of change must “stop supporting the Zionists, outlaws and criminals” and also called on the United States to “stop interfering in other people’s affairs”.—AFP