Jordan's Abdullah congratulates Ahmadinejad

Jordan's King Abdullah II has sent a congratulatory message to Iran's Mahmoud Ahmadinejad on being sworn in to a second presidential term.

According to a report published by the Islamic Republic of Iran News Network (IRINN) on Saturday, the Jordanian leader wished the Iranian nation success and advancement during President Ahmadinejad's second tenure.

Western leaders, already upset by Ahmadinejad's anti-Israel rhetoric, Holocaust denial and unwavering stance on Iran's nuclear program, refused to congratulate the president on his inauguration, although their counterparts in Japan and Turkey did.

Among those prominent leaders who withheld their congratulations to Ahmadinejad were US President Barack Obama, British Prime Minister Gordon Brown, French President Nicolas Sarkozy and German Chancellor Angela Merkel.

In a strong message to the Western leaders, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said he was not awaiting their messages of recognition or congratulation.

"We heard that some of the Western leaders had decided to recognize but not congratulate the new government ... Well, no one in Iran is waiting for your messages," he said. "Iranians will neither value your scowling and bullying nor will they pay attention to your smiles and greetings."