Egypt's Coptic Christians will hold an international conference on Sunday to discuss international protection for minorities. The Public Authority of Copts, headed by Sherif Doos, will host the conference, titled ‘International Protection – International Trusteeship – the American Envoy for Minorities,' in coordination with the Egyptian Union for Human Rights (EUHR). The conference was sparked by the U.S. decision to create a special envoy to deal with religious minorities – including Coptic Christians in Egypt. Naguib Gebrael, head of EUHR, said the conference aims to clarify ideas that are causing controversy among the Egyptian people regarding international protection of Copts. He said the conference will also discuss ways to resolve Coptic problems and the role of the new U.S. envoy. Gebrael said the conference will discuss a number of questions, including: - Why are Copts accused of supporting international protection? - What are the objectives of the U.S. Congress' draft resolution to create the envoy for minorities? - Which Middle East countries will be included in the implementation of the U.S. resolution? Gebrael said a press conference will be held today at the Ramsis Hilton in Cairo. He said the conference will enjoy unprecedented media coverage.
