Germany's central bank has distanced itself from remarks by a board member that stereotyped Muslims and Jews, saying the comments are harmful and violate its code of conduct.

Thilo Sarrazin, a member of the Bundesbank board who sparked outrage over remarks stereotyping Muslims and Jews, launches his new book on immigration issues amid calls for his removal from the federal bank's board.Thilo Sarrazin, a member of the Bundesbank board who sparked outrage over remarks stereotyping Muslims and Jews, launches his new book on immigration issues amid calls for his removal from the federal bank's board. (Gero Breloer/The Associated Press)

But the Bundesbank said Monday it will meet with banker Thilo Sarrazin before deciding on any disciplinary measures.

Sarrazin states in a new book, Germany Abolishes Itself, that Muslim immigrants refuse to integrate and are a drain on society.

Sarrazin also says that "all Jews share a certain gene" and that Muslim immigrants in Europe are unwilling to or incapable of integrating into western societies.

The comments have sparked controversy in Germany, with Chancellor Angela Merkel calling for his removal from the Bundesbank's board.