"The Iranian people will resist until the end on acquiring their rights and will not shift an inch," Ahmadinejad said in a speech in the southern city of Shiraz broadcast live on state television.

"The Iranian nation will not be dissuaded in its drive and the Iranian nation is standing united on this," he told thousands of cheering people gathered in a sports stadium for the rally.

Ahmadinejad's remarks appear to confirm that Iran has no intention of yielding to international demands that it suspend uranium enrichment work, a process the West fears could be used to make nuclear weapons.

"On the nuclear issue, the Iranian people will stand firm to acquire all their rights, will continue solidly to reach the summits of perfection and will raise their fists to insist on their rights," he told the crowd.

In a typically pugnacious speech -- his first such public address since the crisis with Britain over the 15 captured navy personnel -- Ahmadinejad also warned world powers not to misuse the UN Security Council.

"Do not misue the international organisations that you yourself have built. You cannot create a crack in the will of the Iranian people.

"Give up your bullying methods! Otherwise rest assured that you will lose and you will impose great losses on your nations. What did you gain in Iraq, what did you gain in Palestine and Lebanon?" he asked.

The UN Security Council has already imposed two sets of sanctions on Iran over its refusal to suspend uranium enrichment, and the Islamic republic faces further punitive measures if it does not comply.

"Follow the path of justice and improve your relations with others," Ahmadinejad admonished the Western powers.

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