Merkel to join Islamic rally for 'tolerance'

German Chancellor Angela Merkel will attend a rally called by Islamic groups, for an "open and tolerant Germany" Tuesday, following last week's terrorist attacks in France.

This was announced Monday by a spokesman for the German government.

The rally, organised by Germany's Muslim organisations and Turkish community groups, is scheduled to start at 6 p.m. Tuesday at the Brandenburg Gate in the heart of Berlin, Xinhua reported.

German President Joachim Gauck will address the gathering, which Vice Chancellor Sigmar Gabriel, Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier and other top officials are also expected to attend.

Speaking at a joint press conference with the visiting Turkish Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu Monday, Merkel said Tuesday's rally would send a strong signal for the peaceful coexistence among different religious groups in her country.

The chancellor stressed, "Islam is part of Germany," adding, "I am the chancellor of all Germans".

She also expressed her gratitude to Germany's Muslims for having drawn a clear line and delivered a clear "No" to the use of violence following the bloody attacks in Paris.