Merkel Addresses Israeli Lawmakers

German Chancellor Angela Merkel told the Israeli parliament Tuesday her country is filled with shame over the Holocaust.

Speaking before the Knesset, Merkel said, Germany is filled with shame at the memory of the Holocaust and I bow before the victims, Ynetnews.com reported.

She also praised Israel, which will celebrate its 60th anniversary this year.

This year sees Israel celebrating its 60th anniversary … 60 years of fighting challenges in search for peace, 60 years of great constructions, 60 years of absorbing immigrants, Merkel said.

Her speech, which also focused on the Middle East, was boycotted by some Israeli lawmakers over a decision to allow Merkel to address the Knesset in German.

On the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, Germany supports the vision of two states with peaceful borders, Merkel said.

We realize that this will demand strength and painful concessions. Stability in the region is not in your interest alone; stability affects Germany and Europe as well, she said.

As for the Iran’s nuclear ambitions, Merkel said it is not up to the world to prove that Iran is pursuing a nuclear bomb, but rather up to Iran to that it is not. If Iran does not accept this, Germany will push for further sanctions.