Brussels, 09/12/2005 (Agence Europe) - Western countries, including the European Union, have strongly condemned the statements of Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, who on Thursday suggested that Germany and Austria should give a “piece of land” to Israel (which he called a “tumour”) if they felt guilty of the massacres of Jews during the second world war. British Foreign Secretary Jack Straw, on behalf of the EU, condemned the “totally unacceptable” comments from Mr Ahmadinejad. Such comments “have no place in a civilised political debate”, said Mr Straw in a declaration from the British Presidency of the EU. The Commissioner for External Relations Benita Ferrero-Waldner also condemned the “unacceptable” comments from the Iranian President. “The Iranian authorities and the Iranian people must understand that such comments can only create fear (in the world) over the role and intentions of Iran in the region. These comments can only damage the integration of Iran in the international community”, she declared. The President of the European Parliament Josep Borrell also strongly condemned these “revolting statements”. “The European Parliament will always be in the front line in the fight against intolerance of others and against those who seek to increase international tensions3, said Mr Borrell.