"During a question-and-answer session following his speech, German socialist lawmaker Martin Schulz referred to Berlusconi's use of an Italian immunity law to sidestep bribery charges in a Milan court.

'In Italy, they are making a movie on Nazi concentration camps,' Berlusconi snapped back. 'I will propose you for the role of capo,' or chief.

That prompted a rebuke from the president of the European Parliament, Pat Cox, who suspended the session after Berlusconi refused to withdraw his comment, saying it was meant as an 'ironic joke.'

Schulz said the remark showed Berlusconi was unfit to represent Europe.

Berlusconi's words 'debase the presidency of the (EU) council and offend Europe,' said Graham Watson, leader of the Liberal Democrat group in the European Parliament. "

The Folly that is the Eurpoean Union