Berlusconi apology passes blame

Berlusconi backtracks on 'superior civilisation' quotes

ROME, Italy -- Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi has apologised for his "superior civilisation" remarks but blamed opponents for distorting his comments.

The multi-billionaire caused a diplomatic fracas when he described Western civilisation as "superior" to that of Islam.

He had said on television that Western civilisation was superior because it guarantees respect for human, political and religious rights.

"We should be conscious of the superiority of our civilisation, which consists of a value system that has given people widespread prosperity in those countries that embrace it, and guarantees respect for human, political and religious rights," he said.

"This respect certainly does not exist in the Islamic countries."

He had added, he hoped "the West will continue to conquer peoples, like it conquered communism."

European Union member states quickly condemned the comments as it attempts to gather Arab and Muslim support for a global response to the hijack attacks against the United States.

Amr Moussa, secretary-general of the 22-nation Arab League, said he was "waiting for either a denial or an apology" from the Italian government.

Instead Berlusconi gave an apology shrouded in blame.

He told the upper parliament on Friday: "I'm sorry that a few words dragged out of the general context, badly interpreted, have offended the sensibility of my Arab and Muslim friends.

"An artificial controversy has blown up based on nothing and fed by irresponsible comments from the opposition."

He added: "We are aware of the crucial role of moderate Arab countries" in the fight against terror attacks.

"Those who see an enemy in freedom of religion and cultural diversity are themselves our enemies."