Merkel Calls Ahmadinejad's Holocaust Comments 'Unspeakable'

German Chancellor Merkel (file photo) (AFP) 20 February 2006 -- German Chancellor Angela Merkel today renewed her criticism of Iranian President Mahmud Ahmadinejad for his dismissal of the Holocaust.

Speaking in Berlin, Merkel described Ahmadinejad's remarks about the Holocaust as "unspeakable."

Ahmadinejad recently provoked international outrage when he said Israel should be "wiped off the map" and that the Holocaust was a "myth."

Merkel also addressed Muslim protests over European newspapers' publication of cartoons of the Prophet Muhammad, saying that violence is not the proper response to the cartoons.

(AP)