New York, NY, June 13, 2009 … The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) issued the following statement regarding the re-election of Mahmoud Ahmadinejad as President of Iran:

We are greatly disappointed by the re-election of Mahmoud Ahmadinejad.

Throughout his term as President, Ahmadinejad's political strategy has been to divert popular focus from domestic issues, such as the dismal economic situation and the impact of Iran's economic and diplomatic isolation, to irrational and extremist allegations and attacks against Jews, Israel, the United State, the West and minorities.

We had hoped that a different outcome to this election would have sent a message to the international community that Ahmadinejad's incendiary behavior is not reflective of the beliefs and views of the Iranian people.  Unfortunately, the result for Iran is likely to be another four years of extremism and isolation.

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.