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NYC, Columbia University gear up for Ahmadinejad

Sunday, September 23, 2007

(New York - WABC, September 23, 2007) (WABC) -- New York City authorities are bracing for the arrival of Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad.

Click here for the list of street closures for the UN General Assembly The controversial leader is set to address the United Nations General Assembly on Tuesday and Columbia University tomorrow.

The video came in Sunday morning shows Ahmadinejad boarding a plane in Tehran.

Before taking off, he told reporters that Americans are eager to hear different opinions about the world. That remains to be seen when he speaks at Columbia University tomorrow.

Eyewitness News reporter Patricia Wu has more.

Many people would disagree with that. They have been angered by the university's invitation to Ahmadinejad to speak tomorrow. That anger will be evident at 12:30 p.m. since there is a protest rally planned at 116th and Broadway.

"I am honestly concerned about the situation because I know that a lot of people disagree with his beliefs," said Columbia University student Kate Fox.

"I think it is important for these men and women to have a platform, to speak their minds and let us, students, challenge those ideas," said Columbia University student Aaron Bliese.

Some feel, there is plenty to challenge. Just hours before he left on a plane for the two-day visit to New York City, Iranian president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad presided over a parade. Soldiers, missiles and tanks passed below, some bearing the slogans 'death to America' and 'down with Israel.'

"As a Palestinian, I don't want to see him," said Columbia University student Wisim Bakka. "I don't think he represents me as a Muslim at all."

People are already planning to line the streets in protest out side of the Ritz-Carlton Hotel where he will be staying Sunday night.

Tuesday, president Ahmadinejad plans to make an appearance at the United Nations General Assembly meeting.

But, first, tomorrow on Monday, he will head over to Columbia University to deliver a speech and hold a question-and-answer session with students. Columbia University says it plans to have heavy security present.

Some students say they are looking forward to a healthy debate.

"As much as I might disagree with his opinions, you can't debate someone until you hear the mouth," said Columbia University student Josh Foster.

Ahmadinejad outreached many with intensions to lay a wreath at Ground Zero during a trip to New York, a request that the NYPD and Mayor Bloomberg flatly denied.

"He is not going down town. I think hopefully he understands why not," said Mayor Bloomberg. "I think it would be totally inappropriate."

Columbia University's president defended the invitation saying this is a place of learning and they are committed to confronting all ideas.

The university will be banning non-students from campus tomorrow for security reasons.

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