Statement by Edward J. McElroy,
President, American Federation of Teachers,
on the Remarks of Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The American Federation of Teachers strongly condemns the statements made Wednesday by Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad during his address to the World Without Zionism Congress.  Speaking to an audience of more than 4,000 students, Ahmadinejad stated that Israel should be "wiped off the map" and added that "anybody who recognizes Israel will burn in the fire of the Islamic nations' fury."  Such calls to violence are inconsistent with the standards of conduct for a head of state and severely blemish his nation in the eyes of the world.  We urge President Ahmadinejad to retract his remarks and extend an immediate apology. The people of Israel, Iran and the rest of the world deserve no less.

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