"We support the Egyptian good trends represented in the Egyptian President Mohamed Hosni Mubarak, who acts wisely to reach the shore of peace and security." With these words, the Milli Council of the Coptic Orthodox Church started its statement yesterday on the incidents in Gaza. In fact, it is totally different from other statements of all the political forces condemning the Israeli aggression on the Gaza Strip. The statement, published in the form of a paid advertisement in Al-Ahram, rejected speculations on Mubarak's stance towards what is going on in Gaza. The council condemned the brutal attacks on Gaza, declaring its adherence to all rights recognized by international bodies for the Palestinian honorable fighters. It called for sparing no effort to help them in their distress. The council announced support for the Palestinians in their struggle to regain their land and establish their state, which is a key point for the stability and peace in the region. The statement called on the Palestinians to forget their differences and to close up their ranks to face all those who want to harm them. The statement has been issued by Pope Shenouda III in his capacity as chairman of the council, Father Salib Matta Sawiris said. The statement was published in the form of an advertisement to ensure that it would convey the council's point of view on the current situation in Gaza without deleting or changing any word that may change the meaning. Sawiris stressed that the statement was issued at this time to respond to all speculations on the role played by Egypt and its nationally beloved president Mubarak. The Pope canceled any celebrations of the New Year and ordered that prayers be held yesterday to save the Palestinian people, he added.
