President: Iran should be flagbearer of environment protection

President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said on Saturday that the Iranian nation should be flagbearer of protecting the environment, expressing concern about degradation of environment by the capitalist countries.

Addressing a meeting of environment activists, the President said that Iran should serve as a role model for the other countries in the field of environment protection.

Underlining the significance of data exchange on environment, he called for running essential courses for the experts in the field.

Those who promoted slavery in the ancient times have in the modern time launched an attack on the nature, he said, noting they have disturbed the environment for their interests.

Stating that two or three countries are responsible for destroying the environment, Ahmadinejad said that today fighting capitalism is a great step in line with environment protection.

All the people individually are responsible for safeguarding the environment as they are responsible for protecting their health, he said.