Speaking to Greek Prime Minister George Papandreou on the sidelines of the 2009 United Nations Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen, President Ahmadinejad said current global problems are caused by the bullying and imperialistic powers’ ambitions.



He said the Middle East is victim of the colonialist policies of the bullying powers.



He added that current events and problems in the Middle East region, including Iraq, Afghanistan, Pakistan and Palestine, are the result of the US presence in the region. “Americans want to make up their losses by military presence there.”



Commenting on the US President Barack Obama’s change motto, President Ahmadinejad said Obama only speaks about change but the change has not really taken place. “We hope that Mr. Obama will not tout the line of (his predecessor) Mr. (George W.) Bush.”



He added that foreign troop build up in the Middle East was a “historical mistake”, said President Ahmadinejad, adding that experience has shown that foreign troops leave the Middle East with humiliation.



He then said Iran-Greece common stances on regional and global affairs can serve as a ground for expansion of bilateral relations. “The Islamic Republic of Iran considers no limit for expansion of ties with Greece.”



Cooperation and relations between the two countries in the new era can be upgraded in all areas, he added.



The Green Prime Minister said for his part that West should change its attitude towards global issues, including Middle East events.



The Middle East security is intertwined with security of each states of the region, said Papandreou, urging maximum level relations between Athens and Tehran.



All opportunities should be used for promoting mutual relations and cooperation, concluded the Greek official.