Egypt stepped down security by Abassiya's Coptic Orthodox Cathedral on Tuesday, withdrawing forces that were deployed there to contain confrontations that erupted in light of a funeral for victims of sectarian violence. A calm atmosphere prevailed early on Tuesday as traffic flowed smoothly, following clashes that left two dead and tens injured, reported the state news agency. Violent clashes had broken out outside the cathedral on Sunday during a funeral for four Christians who were killed in sectarian violence over the weekend in a town northeast of Cairo. Several pro-revolution forces, including the leftist Popular Current Party, the liberal Dostour Party, the Revolutionary Socialists and the Social Democratic Party, will march today to the federal palace, passing by the cathedral. The demonstration's purpose is to protest this recent wave of violence, demand the sacking of the interior minister and call for the punishment of those responsible for the incident. BN
