November 18, 2005
The incoming German chancellor Angela Merkel has expressed her strong support for the state of Israel. Six days before parliament is set to confirm her as leader of a new "grand coalition" of Germany's two main parties, she strongly condemned remarks last month by Iran's president that Israel should be "wiped off the map". Tolerance regarding Iran's stance was not appropriate, she said, adding: "It must be castigated with all available means." Merkel's comments signaled attitudes in Berlin may be hardening following Iranian president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's comments two weeks ago. Ahmadinejad's call for the annihilation of Israel has increased concerns about its nuclear ambitions, US and European officials have said. Germany, along with the European Union's other two major powers France and Britain, has been trying for two years to persuade Iran to give up technology that could be used to make atomic weapons in exchange for economic and political incentives. Iran has so far rejected the EU offer.
