New York, NY, February 7, 2006 … The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) has called on four South American governments not to legitimize the Hamas terrorist organization by meeting with its leaders visiting their countries and seeking support in the wake of their victory in the Palestinian elections.

In letters to the Ambassadors of Venezuela, Brazil, Argentina and Bolivia, Barbara B. Balser, ADL National Chair and Abraham H. Foxman, ADL National Director said, "Hamas is a terrorist organization" whose "covenant calls for the 'obliteration' of Israel through terrorism and violence and is replete with anti-Semitism."

The ADL leaders added that Hamas' "positions and actions are unacceptable in relations between peoples and nations and it must be made clear in a consistent way that the nations of the world reject these views.

"The only way to do that, in the hope of not legitimizing terror and destruction and in the hope that real change will occur, is to isolate this regime until it changes. That is why we respectfully urge your government to refuse to meet with Hamas representatives."

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.