Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has said that Tehran is 'opposed to any proliferation' of nuclear weapons and is always ready to negotiate about its atomic programme.

"We are opposed to any proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and nuclear weapons. We believe that the time is now over for nuclear weapons. It is time for logic, for rationality, and for civilization. We are always ready to talk within the framework of regulations and as long as the rights of the nations are safeguarded," Ahmadinejad told ABC news.

He denied suggestions that he sought conflict with the US, saying Iran was 'trying to find ways to love people.'

Ahmadinejad said Iran was ready to negotiate on the nuclear issue within the framework of Non-Proliferation Treaty and the relationship it has with International Atomic Energy Agency.

"We are a member of the agency, and we would like to benefit from what -- the rights we are entitled to. And within this framework we are ready to negotiate," he maintained.

In the wide ranging interview that the network has been broadcasting in parts, the Iranian President criticised US President Bush for taking aggressive stand against Tehran.

"The American President does not feel obliged to speak within any framework of law. He thinks to be above the law. We work within the framework of agency and NPT. And we work based on laws and regulations. And we want to have what we are entitled to, not more and not less," he said.

Asked if he will accept Israel in the United Nations if the Jewish state and Palestinians work out their differences, Ahmadinejad said, "Based on the charter of the UN and based on the current international regulations, let Palestinians decide. Please allow the Palestinians to decide and please respect their decision. But please give them the opportunity for decision-making."

Asked about his attitude towards Israel, Ahmadinejad called for a referendum among Palestinians on their future.

"We believe that in Palestine there should be a referendum. And Palestinians, Muslims, Jews, Christians -- any Palestinian, and this is based on international regulations," Ahmadinejad said.