President Ahmadinejad made the remarks in a joint press conference in presence of his Ecuadorian Counterpart Rafael Correa in Quito.



The Latin American people possess a culture, a civilization, dignity and a good future, President Ahmadinejad said.



He said that world powers owed other nations many apologies for their wrongdoings, adding that hegemonic powers had better learn the lessons of history and not add to their already long list of mistakes.



'I advise the bullying powers to respect other nations and recognize their rights because up to now they owe other nations thousands of apologies,' he said.



On Iran nuclear issue, he said every body knows that hegemonic powers are against the progress and independence of other nations.



President underlined, 'Iran's nuclear program is not a problem for the hegemonic powers; they are not pleased with Tehran's progress and independence.'



'The nuclear question is a political excuse. They know that Iran is not looking to make atomic bombs,' Dr.Ahmadinejad said, adding, 'We do not believe in making atomic bombs.'



The promotion of all-out cooperation with Latin American countries is among the top priorities of the Islamic Republic's foreign policy.



Iran and Latin American countries have been working towards developing diplomatic relations and increasing economic cooperation.



President Ahmadinejad at the last leg of his tour of the Latin American countries, heading a delegation, arrived in the Ecuador's capital on Thursday.