Canada Concerned by Persistent Violence Against Coptic Orthodox Christians in Egypt

OTTAWA, Canada, October 22, 2013/African Press Organization (APO)/ -- Andrew Bennett, Canada's Ambassador for Religious Freedom, today issued the following statement:

“Canada is deeply concerned by an attack outside a Coptic Orthodox Christian church in Giza, Egypt, that killed four people, including two girls, an eight-year-old and a 12-year-old, the latest in a number of assaults targeting the country's Coptic Orthodox Christian community.

“Attacks on places of worship are unacceptable. Canada calls on Egyptian authorities to protect the Christian community and their churches and other properties from violent attack.

“On behalf of all Canadians, I would like to extend our deepest sympathies to the victims of these attacks and wish a speedy recovery to the injured.

“Canada firmly believes that implementing a transparent, democratic system that respects the voices of all Egyptians, including members of all religious communities, is the best way to restore calm and give all Egyptians a stake in the future stability and prosperity of their country.”