The Supreme Council of the Armed Forces (SCAF) said on Monday that sectarian strife in Egypt is caused by “the general public's following of pseudo-preachers inciting this sedition.” SCAF member General Sami Diab said that other causes include "the existence of extremist groups operating with the former regime, in addition to the sense of religious persecution, denial of rights and injustice during the former era by some Muslims and Christians." Diab said that the SCAF would combat those inciting sedition, stressing that it would “be on the lookout for external hands trying to use religion” for ulterior motives. Diab's statements were made during a symposium held by the armed forces on Monday, titled “Moderation between Islam and Christianity.” The seminar was attended by a number of top Muslim and Christian clerics representing Al-Azhar, the Ministry of Religious Endowments, and the various Coptic denominations, as well as several well-known Muslim and Christian politicians and intellectuals. “The solution is not in tolerance alone, but in justice, equally and giving everyone their rights,” said Diab, stressing that the coming days would confirm this statement. Diab pointed to the importance of only following true scholars who have no ulterior motives. He said Egyptians of various denominations and sects are neighbors and brothers. He also stressed the need to uphold the true Islam, emphasizing the need to spread awareness through clarifying the views of tolerant Muslims and Christians. Translated from the Arabic Edition
