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Buzek on violent clashes in Egypt

Brussels -
Monday 10/10/2011

The President of the European Parliament, Jerzy Buzek, made the following statement on yesterday's violent clashes in Egypt:

"I am deeply concerned about violence against the Christian minority in Egypt and by yesterday's riots in Cairo. I extend my sincere condolences to the families and friends of all victims. The repeated attack against churches, particularly in the Aswan governorate, is totally unacceptable. Those responsible for these attacks must be brought to justice.

In these delicate months of political transition, everything has to be done to preserve harmony and unity of the Egyptian people. I call upon the political and religious leaders of the country to increase their efforts to achieve inter-religious peace. Copts and all other Christians have been an integral part of Egypt for centuries. They have to enjoy equal citizens' rights and special protection by the government as a religious minority.

The transition towards true and deep democracy must accelerate if Egypt wants to transform the Arab Spring into a lasting success. Democracy is not only the rule of the majority, but also the protection of the minority. Egypt must fully respect its obligation towards the freedom of religion and conscience that is a substantial part of universal human rights.

The military leadership must be aware of their proper role in the time of transition. The use of excessive force is unacceptable under any circumstances. Any attempt to perpetrate the violence or assume a long-term military rule would alienate the army from the people. The civilian control of the military must be a central part of Egyptian democracy."

 

Note to editors:

European Parliament resolution of 20 January 2011 on the situation of Christians in the context of freedom of religion:

http://www.europarl.europa.eu/sides/getDoc.do?pubRef=-//EP//TEXT+TA+P7-TA-2011-0021+0+DOC+XML+V0//EN

European Parliament resolution of 17 February 2011 on the situation in Egypt:

http://www.europarl.europa.eu/sides/getDoc.do?type=TA&reference=P7-TA-2011-0064&language=EN

European Parliament resolution of 7 April 2011 on the review of the European Neighbourhood Policy - Southern Dimension:

http://www.europarl.europa.eu/sides/getDoc.do?type=TA&reference=P7-TA-2011-0154&language=EN

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