19/09/2006 (Agence Europe) - Since the reactions provoked in the Muslim world further to the recent speech by the Pope in Ratisbonne (EUROPE 9267), MEPs Harmut Nassauer (CDU) and Markus Ferber (CSU) have called on the Muslims of Europe to clearly distance themselves from the calls to violence against Christians. The Muslims of Europe cannot ask for respect to be shown for their religion and at the same time refuse respect for the other religions, the two German representatives state in a press release. They are particularly critical of Prime Minister Erdogan, who, they say, has always spoken of his country being a “bridge” between East and West, when, in this polemic surrounding the Pope, Turkey is contributing to the escalation of violence instead of playing the role of mediator.