NEW YORK, Sept 24 (Reuters) - Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said on Monday that his country did not recognize the state of Israel because it was based on "occupation" and "racism."

"We do not recognize that regime because it is based on occupation and racism. It constantly attacks its neighbors," he said in a video news conference from New York, where he is attending the United Nations General Assembly, with the National Press Club in Washington.

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