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| By: Associated Press |
| Published: May 28, 2006 |
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Iran President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad is still undecided about attending the World Cup in Germany, according to remarks released Saturday from a German magazine.
"My decision depends on many things," Ahmadinejad was quoted as saying in the Spiegel weekly to be published Sunday.
A visit from Ahmadinejad would be deeply uncomfortable for German authorities because of his repeated statements casting doubt on the Holocaust and calling for the destruction of Israel.
Denying the Holocaust is a criminal offense in Germany, but heads of state enjoy diplomatic immunity. Officials have resisted calls to turn the Iranian leader away at the border, if he travels.
Officials have already promised extra-tight security for the English, U.S. and Iranian teams during the June 9-July 9 tournament. The Iranian team is expected to receive protests from exile groups.
There are also concerns that violent German neo-Nazis will stage demonstrations in support of Ahmadinejad because of his remarks on the Holocaust.
Iran is drawn with Portugal, Mexico and Angola in Group D of the World Cup. |
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