TEHRAN, Oct. 28 (Xinhuanet) -- Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad on Friday defended his anti-Israel comments as just and right, the official IRNA news agency reported.

   "My words are the same as those of the Iranian nation," Ahmadinejad was quoted as saying in an exclusive interview, referring to his remarks on Wednesday that Israel should be wiped out from the map.

   "Undoubtedly, the new wave (of attacks) in Palestine and the growing turmoil in the Islamic world would in no time wipe Israel away," Ahmadinejad continued.

   The comments were denounced by the European Union, the United States and even Russia, which has consistently defended Iran's right to peaceful nuclear development, and UN chief Kofi Annan.

   Defending his remarks, Ahmadinejad slammed Israel's policy as ambitious, saying "they (the Israelis) are free to say but their words lack any credit. They are rude, falsely thinking that the whole world should be subordinate to them."

   "The oppressed Palestinians are martyred by Zionists, their properties are looted, their houses are bombarded and they are assassinated but the Zionists expect that no one should object them," Ahmadinejad said.

   Earlier in the day, Ahmadinejad participated in a demonstration attended by thousands of people to protest against Israel and show support to the Palestinians' struggle for independence. Enditem