An investigation into the Maspero violence that took place last week is necessary to identify and prosecute the perpetrators, said Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces and deputy head of the ruling Supreme Council of the Armed Forces (SCAF) Sami Anan on Wednesday. He added that results of the investigation will be announced to the public once it concludes. The SCAF is keen on establishing a civil democratic state based on equality between all its citizens, without discrimination between Muslims and Christians, Anan said during his meeting with Coptic Church leaders that was held at the Defense Ministry. Anan called on media outlets to maintain transparency, credibility and impartiality while conveying all points of view and representing the opinions of all classes of people. He also said the media should stay away from incitement and the pursuit of private agendas. An official statement issued afterward emphasized that clarity characterized the meeting between Anan and the church delegation, as Anan responded to all questions and inquiries bluntly to remove ambiguity from skepticism over the army's handling of the Maspero incident. The two parties agreed to study a proposed law on the construction of churches in coordination with judges and stressed the importance of continued meetings to enable communication and follow up on the implementation of all decisions. SCAF General Ismail Etman said the dialogue tackled several issues related to the general status of Copts in Egypt. Authorities are carrying out an investigation into the Maspero violence, Etman stressed in a statement to Egyptian TV Channel 1 on Wednesday evening, adding that the investigation's results will be announced once it is complete. Translated from the Arabic Edition
