Road Closures In Effect For UN General Assembly; Ahmadinejad Protests Abound
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork/AP) -- Prepare extra time if you're near the United Nations this week, since road closures and traffic delays are in effect as world leaders gather for the UN General Assembly.
The NYPD is encouraging the use of public transportation for the duration of the session as street closures will be in effect on the East Side all week.
Police said the road closures end when the UN session ends each day.
1010 WINS' John Montone reports
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President Barack Obama will deliver opening remarks when the 67th session of the General Assembly kicks off on Tuesday.
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Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has dismissed threats of military action against Iran's nuclear program, asserting that its enrichment project is for peaceful purposes and disputing that the country is worried about Israel.
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Speaking to a group of editorial leaders on Monday, the first full day of his visit to New York for the UNGA, Ahmadinejad said it was not too late for dialogue with the United States to resolve differences.
He also said that Iran is neutral about the Syrian civil war, and denied it is providing weapons or training to the government of President Bashar Assad.
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Ahmadinejad's visit prompted public officials, lawmakers and religious leaders to come together Monday and denounce the Iranian leader's nuclear build up, human rights violations and position against Israel.
"Today we are united in telling Mahmoud Ahmadinejad that he is unwelcome in our city," said Rabbi Michael Miller, of the Jewish Community Relations Council.
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It was Ahmadinejad's eighth visit to the UN gathering held each September, which he cited as proof that he is open to understanding other countries' views.
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He said this would be his last trip to New York as president of Iran, because his term is ending and he is barred from seeking a third consecutive term. But he did not rule out staying active in Iranian politics and said he might return as part of future Iranian delegations to New York.
U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said the ministerial session is taking place at "a time of turmoil and transition.''
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