NEW YORK, Aug. 23, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The World Jewish Congress expressed its deep regret at the announcement by United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon that he will attend the Summit meeting of the Non-Aligned Movement in Iran which will take place on August 26, 2012.

Ronald S. Lauder, President, World Jewish Congress, said, "UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon's announcement that he will attend the meeting in Teheran, which will usher in the three year term of President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad in the Chair of Non-Aligned Movement, an appointment that in itself is a travesty, is deeply regrettable."

"Iran has an appalling record of rampant human rights abuses that include the violent repression of women, minorities and children," said Lauder. "It continues to be the foremost sponsor of international terrorism, including supporting the current brutal violence in Syria, and has claimed numerous victims in many regions throughout the world. Iran ignores UN resolutions while engaging in its illicit race to acquire nuclear capability. In the past few weeks, Iran has again restated its intentions to destroy another UN member state, Israel while declaring its hatred of the Jewish people."

"The World Jewish Congress believes that the Secretary General of the United Nations should not lend credibility to the Iranian regime by attending this Summit in Teheran.  Doing so betrays the principles of the UN and compromises his personal integrity and that of the international community. A rogue regime that violates human rights should be isolated and not counted among civilized nations. Iran should not enjoy the prestige of a visit of the head of the UN," added Lauder.

SOURCE World Jewish Congress