“One of the major objectives of this trip is to present a true image of the Iranian nation to the world,” President Rouhani told reporters at the airport, prior to his departure for New York on Monday.

There were hands at work in recent years that unfortunately introduced Iran's image and its culture-loving, peaceful civilisation differently, he said.

Rouhani denouncing illegal sanctions and urging the West to interact respectfully with Iran over its nuclear program said, "The path of sanctions is an unacceptable and unrealistic path. Those who have opted for (sanctions) will not achieve their objectives."

Rouhani referring to the West’s pressure and unacceptable sanctions against Iran added "Instead of this path, they should choose one that is based on interaction, negotiation and understanding."

In New York, Rouhani will team up with Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif, who is expected to hold talks with his British and French counterparts, as well as with European Union foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton, who represents the major powers in negotiations over with Iran over its nuclear program.

Rouhani himself is scheduled to meet with several world leaders including French President Francois Hollande on the sidelines of the UN meeting.

RA/SHI