DDHK News, Germany - Chancellor of Germany Angela Merkel says Islam is "part of Germany". The statement was at the same time a stern rejection of the anti-Islamic protesters in Dresden and a number of other cities.
Merkel was referring to former German President Christian Wulff's 2010 statement saying Islam is part of Germany.
“Former President Wulff said Islam was part of Germany. That is true and I agree with that opinion, ”Merkel said in a press conference with the Turkish Prime Minister, Ahmet Davutoglu, Monday (12/1).
Merkel also urged all religious communities to engage in dialogue.
The German Chancellor's statement came just hours before a movement called European Patriots Against the Islamization of the West (PEGIDA) carried out their actions in a number of German cities.
Demonstrations for the first time in Dresden were defeated by demonstrations against it.
Merkel said the PEGIDA protests were carried out by people who had "hatred in their hearts".
He also emphasized that his government is doing its utmost so that newcomers can integrate properly into German society regardless of the religion they profess.
Nearly two thirds of Germany's four million Muslims come from Turkey and half are German citizens.
Merkel and other German politicians will take part in a funeral demonstration at the Bradenburg Gate, Berlin on Tuesday (13/1). This event was organized by Muslim organizations to commemorate the victims of the attack on the Charlie Hebdo magazine office in Paris. (reuters/afp/yahoo/cnn). *
