Egypt's ruling political leadership has vowed to release the 84 Copts that remain in detention following 24 November clashes with security, a Coptic Church source said. Violence erupted after authorities ceased construction on an Omraneya, Giza church, citing a lack of required permits. The same source declined to explain whether the promise was offered by National Democratic Party (NDP) member Mostafa al-Fiqqi, also a parliamentary official, during his meeting with Pope Shenouda III on Thursday. The meeting led the pope to end his several-week-long retreat. Al-Fiqqi's visit with the pope was a personal initiative. Shenouda shares a strong relationship with al-Fiqqi, the Coptic source said. Al-Fiqqi, however, declined to disclose details about the meeting. Nabil Louqa Bebawi, a Coptic member of the Shura Council who was in attendance, said the meeting lasted three hours, adding that the pope expressed anger over some recent developments in sectarian tensions. “But at the same time he [Pope Shenouda III] loves President Mubarak so much," Bebawi said. Meanwhile, Bishop Sergius Sergius, the church deputy, said Coptic officials are currently printing invitations for high ranking state officials to attend Christmas celebrations. Translated from the Arabic Edition.
