MECCA, Saudi Arabia, Dec. 9 (UPI) -- Iran's president has called for a Jewish state in Europe, saying that Nazi atrocities, if they occurred, do not justify the occupation of Palestine.
During a visit to Mecca on Thursday, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad also denounced Germany and other European countries for prosecuting Holocaust deniers, the Financial Times reported.
"If the Europeans are honest, they should give some of their provinces -- like in Germany, Austria or other countries -- to the Zionists," he said.
Ahmadinejad, who defeated more moderate candidates in the recent election, said that he does not accept the claim that millions of Jews were killed during World War II.
Israel denounced his statements.
"Unfortunately, this is not the first time that the president of Iran has made outrageous and even racist remarks concerning Jews and Israel," Israeli Foreign Ministry spokesman Mark Regev said, The Jerusalem Post reported.
President Bush's spokesman, Scott McClellan, said that the speech "further underscores our concerns about the regime in Iran" and is yet another reason why the country should not have nuclear capability.
