New York, NY, December 4, 2006 … The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) praised outgoing U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations John Bolton for his "fairness, strength, courage and moral clarity," upon today's announcement that he will step down when his term expires in January.

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

John Bolton's tenure at the U.N. has been marked by fairness, strength and moral clarity in the tradition of Daniel Patrick Moynihan and Jeane Kirkpatrick.  Ambassador Bolton has shown tremendous courage, tenacity and pragmatism in dealing with the myriad, difficult and complex diplomatic challenges that have arisen during his tenure, most notably in seeking to bring about greater peace, stability and democracy to the Middle East.  He was staunch advocate for U.N. reform and for U.S. interests within the United Nations.

He's been a remarkable friend and supporter of Israel at the U.N., not only in his voting pattern but in his taking initiatives to ensure that discrimination against Israel is not acceptable and that the U.N. be a more constructive force in the region.  He stood up against anti-Israel initiatives and framed the discussion in ways that best represented the interests of the United States and served the entire Middle East.

Ambassador Bolton's leadership will be greatly missed.  We wish him well in his future endeavors.

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.