http://www.presstv.ir/detail.aspx?id...onid=351020101
Iran's President is to deliver a Christmas Day message on Britain's Channel 4 television in counterpoint to Queen Elizabeth's speech.
Following in the tradition of the channel, the public-service British television broadcaster will air an annual alternative to the Queen's Christmas speech.
As relations between Iran and the West made headlines over the past year and are expected to continue to play a crucial role in world affairs in 2009, President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad will use the airtime at 7.15pm London time to deliver the broadcaster's 16th alternative message.
Channel 4 has announced that President Ahmadinejad would deliver a spiritual speech featuring a message of seasonal goodwill.
Head of News and Current Affairs Dorothy Byrne said that, "As the leader of one of the most powerful states in the Middle East, President Ahmadinejad's views are enormously influential. As we approach a critical time in international relations, we are offering our viewers an insight into an alternative world view."
"Channel 4 has devoted more airtime to examining Iran than any other broadcaster and this message continues a long tradition of offering a different perspective on the world around us."
The alternative to the Queen's Christmas Day broadcast has previously featured a varied and controversial selection of presenters.