New York, NY, April 2, 2009 … The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) said that in his inaugural speech as Israeli Foreign Minister, Avigdor Lieberman stated clearly that Israel will continue to seek peace with the Palestinians, despite some international reaction and media accounts to create a contrary impression.

Glen S. Lewy, ADL National Chair, and Abraham H. Foxman, National Director, issued the following statement:

In his first speech as foreign minister, Avigdor Lieberman clearly stated that Israel wants peace with the Palestinians. The simple truth articulated by Mr. Lieberman is supported by recent history, that Israel wants and has sought peace -- "We definitely want peace" -- but that Israeli efforts to offer concessions to achieve peace have produced more extremism and violence on the other side.

There is no better proof of Mr. Lieberman's commitment to peace than by his statement that Israel will "act exactly according to the road map," the internationally accepted basis for peace talks between Israel and the Palestinians, which would culminate in a two-state solution. He said that Israel will implement its commitment under the Road Map but, in his view, the key reason why the process has not progressed is Palestinian failure to dismantle its terror organizations, establish an effective government, and build institutions for a functioning civil society.

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.