Ahmadinejad says world cannot halt nuclear drive

TEHRAN: President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad on Tuesday defiantly told world powers they could not halt the Iranian nuclear programme despite moves by Europe and the United States to impose UN sanctions.   

"The great powers have tried to prevent our people from achieving their rights in nuclear material," he told reporters at a news conference.   

"With the help of God and the resistance of the people, Iran is completely mastering the nuclear fuel cycle and time is playing in favour of Iran. Many countries have agreed to live with an Iran that has mastered enrichment. This year I hope will be able to have the great celebration of the nuclearisation of Iran," he added, without elaborating.   

The United States accuses Iran of seeking nuclear weapons, but Tehran insists its atomic programme is aimed solely at generating energy.