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Germany's Merkel: Muslims mustn't be ostracized, clerics should draw line against terrorism

Associated Press
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German Chancellor Angela Merkel is reflected in a window of the visitors' tribune as she speaks during a meeting of the German federal parliament, Bundestag, in Berlin, Germany, Thursday, Jan. 15, 2015. (AP Photo/Michael Sohn) (The Associated Press)

German Chancellor Angela Merkel speaks during a meeting of the German federal parliament, Bundestag, in Berlin, Germany, Thursday, Jan. 15, 2015. (AP Photo/Michael Sohn) (The Associated Press)

European Council President Donald Tusk, right, welcomes Turkey's Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu at his office at the EU Council in Brussels on Thursday, Jan. 15, 2015. (AP Photo/Olivier Hoslet, Pool) (The Associated Press)

German Chancellor Angela Merkel says Muslims mustn't be ostracized in the wake of the terrorist attacks in France but it's also urgent for clerics to draw a clear line between Islam and terrorism.

Merkel spoke after the German Parliament paid tribute Thursday to the 17 terror attack victims, standing for a moment of silence.

Merkel said Germany won't let itself be divided. She says "there must be no ostracism of Muslims, no sweeping suspicions. As chancellor, I will come to the defense of Muslims in this country against that."

However, she acknowledged some in Germany question why terrorists have so little regard for human life and cite religion as motivation.

Merkel says: "I think it is important and urgent for these questions to be cleared up by Islamic clergy."