Persecution of Christians in Egypt

5.1.2011

Question for written answer E-000044/2011
to the Commission
Rule 117
Konrad Szymański (ECR)

In connection with the attack in front of a Coptic church in Alexandria, Egypt, on 1 January 2011, in which 21 people were killed, could the Commission please answer the following questions:

• 1.What measures is the Commission taking to combat the growing violence against Christians in the region, and in particular in Egypt?
• 2.What impact will this latest attack, and similar incidents, have on Egypt’s Country Progress Report in the context of the European Neighbourhood Policy?
• 3.Will the issue of the rights of religious minorities in Egypt be reflected in the priorities of the Egypt/EU Joint Action Plan, in political terms and in terms of assistance funding?
• 4.What instruments will the Commission use to help prevent such tragedies in future?
• 5.Will the Commission give greater consideration to freedom of religion, and in particular the rights of Christians, as a basic human right, in the context of the European Neighbourhood Policy?

OJ C 286 E, 30/09/2011