Mahmoud Ahmadinejad (file photo)

Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad says the Holocaust is a "myth" and has repeated his widely-condemned suggestion that the Jewish state of Israel be moved to Europe or North America.

Addressing a gathering in the Iranian city of Zahedan Wednesday, Mr. Ahmadinejad said the West has "fabricated a legend" which it holds "above God" of the systematic killing of millions of Jews by Nazi Germany during World War II.

His speech was broadcast on Iran's state television.

Similar remarks earlier by the Iranian president caused an uproar and drew rebukes from Israel, the United States, and the United Nations.

The White House Wednesday said Mr. Ahmadinejad's comments underscore why it is so important the international community continue to work together to keep Iran from developing nuclear weapons.

Some information for this report provided by AP, AFP and Reuters.