New York, NY, December 9, 2005 … The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) called on the United Nations Security Council to impose punitive measures against Iran, including sanctions, following the Iranian President's latest anti-Israel tirade in which he denied the Holocaust and suggested that Israel should be moved to Europe.

"Once again, the Iranian regime has shown the world that it is a nation controlled by extremists and is a pariah in the international community of nations," said Abraham H. Foxman, ADL National Director.  "It is time for the Security Council to act.  Iran has thumbed its nose at the world by repeatedly violating the United Nations charter in calling for the destruction of a member state, while continuing on its destructive path toward the acquisition of nuclear weapons and supporting terrorism abroad.  Its actions are disgraceful, particularly for a U.N. member."

Speaking to reporters at an Islamic summit in Mecca, Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said, "Some European countries insist on saying that Hitler killed millions of innocent Jews in furnaces.... Although we don't accept this claim, if we suppose it is true, our question for the Europeans is: Is the killing of innocent Jewish people by Hitler the reason for their support to the occupiers of Jerusalem?  If the Europeans are honest they should give some of their provinces in Europe -- like in Germany, Austria or other countries -- to the Zionists and the Zionists can establish their state in Europe."

In October, Mr. Ahmadinejad said Israel is "a disgraceful blot" that should be "wiped off the map."

ADL commended Secretary General Kofi Annan's condemnation of Mr. Ahmadinejad's comments. In a statement, Mr. Annan noted that the General Assembly last month approved a resolution that "rejects any denial of the Holocaust as an historical event, either in full or in part."  He urged all countries to educate their people about the "well-established facts" of the Holocaust.

The Anti-Defamation League, founded in 1913, is the world's leading organization fighting anti-Semitism through programs and services that counteract hatred, prejudice and bigotry.