Egypt, Elsewedy review progress on Ain Sokhna phosphate complex    US employment cost index 3.6% up in year to June 2025    Egypt welcomes Canada, Malta's decision to recognise Palestinian state    Pakistan says successfully concluded 'landmark trade deal' with US    Sterling set for sharpest monthly drop since 2022    Egypt, Brazil sign deal to boost pharmaceutical cooperation    Modon Holding posts AED 2.1bn net profit in H1 2025    Egypt's Electricity Ministry says new power cable for Giza area operational    Egypt's Al-Sisi, Italian defence minister discuss Gaza, security cooperation    Egypt's FM discusses Gaza, Nile dam with US senators    Aid airdrops intensify as famine deepens in Gaza amid mounting international criticism    Egypt exports first high-tech potato seeds to Uzbekistan after opening market    Health minister showcases AI's impact on healthcare at Huawei Cloud Summit    On anti-trafficking day, Egypt's PM calls fight a 'moral and humanitarian duty'    Egypt strengthens healthcare partnerships to enhance maternity, multiple sclerosis, and stroke care    Egypt keeps Gaza aid flowing, total tops 533,000 tons: minister    Indian Embassy to launch cultural festival in Assiut, film fest in Cairo    Egyptian aid convoy heads toward Gaza as humanitarian crisis deepens    Culture minister launches national plan to revive film industry, modernise cinematic assets    I won't trade my identity to please market: Douzi    Sisi sends letter to Nigerian president affirming strategic ties    Two militants killed in foiled plot to revive 'Hasm' operations: Interior ministry    Egypt, Somalia discuss closer environmental cooperation    Egypt's EHA, Huawei discuss enhanced digital health    Foreign, housing ministers discuss Egypt's role in African development push    Egypt reveals heritage e-training portal    Three ancient rock-cut tombs discovered in Aswan    Sisi launches new support initiative for families of war, terrorism victims    Egypt expands e-ticketing to 110 heritage sites, adds self-service kiosks at Saqqara    Egypt's Irrigation Minister urges scientific cooperation to tackle water scarcity    Palm Hills Squash Open debuts with 48 international stars, $250,000 prize pool    On Sport to broadcast Pan Arab Golf Championship for Juniors and Ladies in Egypt    Golf Festival in Cairo to mark Arab Golf Federation's 50th anniversary    Germany among EU's priciest labour markets – official data    Paris Olympic gold '24 medals hit record value    A minute of silence for Egyptian sports    Russia says it's in sync with US, China, Pakistan on Taliban    It's a bit frustrating to draw at home: Real Madrid keeper after Villarreal game    Shoukry reviews with Guterres Egypt's efforts to achieve SDGs, promote human rights    Sudan says countries must cooperate on vaccines    Johnson & Johnson: Second shot boosts antibodies and protection against COVID-19    Egypt to tax bloggers, YouTubers    Egypt's FM asserts importance of stability in Libya, holding elections as scheduled    We mustn't lose touch: Muller after Bayern win in Bundesliga    Egypt records 36 new deaths from Covid-19, highest since mid June    Egypt sells $3 bln US-dollar dominated eurobonds    Gamal Hanafy's ceramic exhibition at Gezira Arts Centre is a must go    Italian Institute Director Davide Scalmani presents activities of the Cairo Institute for ITALIANA.IT platform    







Thank you for reporting!
This image will be automatically disabled when it gets reported by several people.



Mubarak sounds warning during Easter message to Coptic Diaspora
Published in Daily News Egypt on 21 - 04 - 2009

CAIRO: President Hosni Mubarak sounded a warning during a message he sent out to the Coptic Diaspora for Easter in which he stated he would not allow anything or anyone to come between Copts and Muslims in Egypt.
"I say to you as President of all Egyptians, we will not allow attempts to cause fallout between the two wings of the nation, and we will hold to account the perpetrators with the full strength of the law, he said.
"Egypt will remain a safe nation for all its children without the slightest suspicion of differentiation or discrimination, he added.
Although it was a congratulatory message to Copts for Easter, some perceived it to be a thinly veiled warning to Copts abroad who often voice concerns about discrimination in Egypt.
Sherif Azer from the Egyptian Organization for Human Rights said, "He's trying to send a message, because even if there isn't a direct problem with the Copts at the moment, he is hinting to them not to be part of anything in the future, as is evident by the tone.
"It is not a direct warning, but he is telling them to pay attention. The government has never given much credence to the Coptic Diaspora, so he's sort of telling them to not interfere in the future, he added.
The Coptic Diaspora, especially in the United States, have been particularly outspoken about discrimination against Coptic Christians in Egypt, which has led to tension between its community leaders abroad and the regime.
The US Copts Association is one such organization. Its mission statement declares that "Copts . are subject to undeniable and documented acts of aggression and practices of discrimination. These acts are the products of intentional and/or neglectful practices of both the Egyptian government and various groups of misguided and misinformed Muslims.
In a list of Coptic demands on the group's website, one states that "Copts want to feel that Mr Mubarak is a president for both Muslims and Copts. They want him to care for them and address their concerns. They want him to meet with their religious leadership, and perhaps pay visits to their churches, something other presidents used to do, but he has never done.
Azer said, "Regarding the Coptic activists in the US, some of them are irresponsible like Maurice Sadek, who once sent messages to [former Israeli Prime Minister] Ariel Sharon asking him to intervene on behalf of the Copts in Egypt, so their credibility isn't great but others like Michael Meunier [head of the US Copts Association] are much more credible.


Clic here to read the story from its source.