Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has returned home after attending the UN general assembly and a visit to Bolivia and Venezuela.

President Ahmadinejad's three-day visit to New York was covered by the US and world media particularly the speeches he delivered in prestigious Columbia University and the UN General Assembly, in which he emphasized that Iran's nuclear case has closed.

Analyst believe the first sign of President Ahmadinejad's diplomatic success in his address to the UN General Assembly became clear on Friday after the meeting of the US, Russia, China, Germany, Britain and France in New York to discuss a third round of sanctions against Tehran. The statement released after the meeting said no decision has been made on the sanctions and the West will wait for the next report by the IAEA Chief.

Referring to the President's speech at Columbia University, Israeli newspaper Haaretz wrote the Iranian President used the podium at Columbia University to single out Israel and Zionism, although "Israel worked fervently to prevent what happened on the podium. "

"Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's visit to Columbia University in New York on Monday resulted in one clear loser: Israel," added Haaretz.

President Ahmadinejad left New York for Bolivia and Venezuela in a bid to boost the country's growing ties with Latin America at a time when the United States is trying to isolate Tehran.

Ahmadinejad and his Venezuelan counterpart Hugo Chavez signed three cooperation agreements on energy and industries. The two countries also signed a comprehensive memorandum of understanding on the expansion of bilateral ties.

During the visit, Chavez said Ahmadinejad is one of the world's greatest leaders in fight against bullying powers. "Your remarks at the UN General Assembly were all facts expressed firmly for the world's leaders."

MHE/RE