Merkel: Muslims Must Abide By German Values

German Chancellor Angela Merkel on Monday demanded Muslims residing in Germany to abide by "fundamental German values", claiming there was no “leeway” on this matter. The remarks came a day after President Christian Wulff had called for better integration of Muslims in a major speech as the Germans celebrate 20 years of reunification. Wulff's comments were appreciated by one of Germany's major Islamic organizations, the Central Council of Muslims.

Merkel, in comments promoting a highly conservative book written by one of her followers, said that Muslims of Germany should familiarize themselves with Germany's constitution and core values.

"There is no leeway on this," said the Christian Democrat chancellor, while adding that Germans' opinion about Islam were based on Islamic law (Sharia), honor killings and inequality between men and women. This book from Roland Koch, the ex premier of the Hesse state, is entitled "Conservative. No State Can Be Built Without Values and Principles".

Germans have freedom of religion, and Islam is welcome, "but it must be a form of Islam that feels devoted to our fundamental values", Merkel stated. Otherwise, fear will grow amongst Germans, "and that is hardly something we want to happen".

Merkel also expressed her disappointment with negotiations that have been going on between major Muslim organizations and the federal interior ministry whereby both parties have attempted to express their concerns regarding the other. The outcome has been "unsatisfactory", she said, while adding that "extra work" needs to be done.

Merkel also said that she wants Muslim children in Germany to study their religion in public schools and German-speaking imams to preach at mosques in Germany.