European Parliament
Jan Tadeusz Masiel (NI ). –
(PL)
Mr President, the way in which Islamic countries reacted to the cartoons of Mohammed in the Danish press proves that, as far as culture and civilisation are concerned, there is a very deep divide between Islamic countries and countries based on Christian principles.
Followers of Islam do not understand the difference between what is said in jest and what is real. In contrast, our culture is based on metaphors and symbols. For example, Descartes doubted for a long time that the world even existed. The misunderstanding I mentioned earlier confirms the belief that Islamic countries such as Turkey have no place in Europe. It also suggests that the Islamic world needs our help. We are prepared to provide it, but at a distance.

