London: Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad will deliver a brief Christmas message on Britain's Channel 4 to rival Queen Elizabeth II's annual address on BBC.

The message will, however, be broadcast at a different time at 1915 GMT to avoid clashing with that of Queen's at 1500 GMT.

The Muslim President, who has a hostile relationship with many western countries, will deliver a spiritual address that will feature a message of seasonal goodwill while making thinly veiled criticism of western powers, the Guardian quoted the channel as saying.

"If Christ was on earth today undoubtedly he would stand with the people in opposition to bullying, ill-tempered and expansionist powers," an extract of his speech released in the daily said.

"If Christ was on earth today undoubtedly would hoist the banner of justice and love for humanity to oppose warmongers, occupiers, terrorists and bullies the world over," it said.

The channel's head of news and current affairs Dorothy Byrne argued that, "As the leader of one of the most powerful states in the Middle East, President Ahmadinejad's views are enormously influential."
Source : PTI