European Parliament urges protection for Christians in Egypt, Syria

PanARMENIAN.Net - The European Parliament has adopted a joint text urging the halt of violence and the provision of more protection for Christian Communities in Egypt and Syria.

"We ask in a very clear way that from now on Coptic Christian communities of Egypt do not fall victim to violent attacks again, can live in peace and can freely express their beliefs across Egypt," said MEP Joseph Daul, Chairman of the EPP Group, following the approval of a joint resolution text on the situation of Christian Communities in Egypt and Syria by the European Parliament.

"The Egyptian authorities should give the adequate protection to the Coptic Christian Communities and to their churches in order to put an end to the continuous aggression and destruction of churches by Islamic extremists," said MEP Mario Mauro.

"Now more than ever, during this critical period of democratic transition, Egypt needs to protect and involve the Coptic Christian communities in building the future of the country. Freedom of religion, conscience and thought, as well as the protection of minorities must be solidly anchored in the new constitutional text that will be adopted in Egypt,” added Cristian Dan Preda, MEP.

"In case there are serious violations of human rights in Egypt the EU should consider the adoption of alternative measures. The Egyptian authorities have to ensure full respect of all fundamental rights, including freedom of association, freedom of peaceful assembly, freedom of expression and freedom of religion, conscience and thought for all citizens in their country, including the Coptic Christians communities that have been victims of violent aggressions for a long time now,” explained Mauro.

"As brutal repression persists in Syria, we are also concerned for the Christian communities in this country. Their safety is increasingly put at risk by actions aimed at fuelling sectarian tensions. Syrian authorities must immediately launch a process of deep democratic reforms and ensure full respect of fundamental rights, notably freedom of religion, belief, conscience and thought,” said Cristian Dan Preda.

The resolution approved stresses the importance of an independent, thorough and transparent investigation into the events of Maspero in Egypt, in order to hold all those accountable for their actions. The EP firmly condemns the disproportionate and brutal use of force against peaceful protesters in Syria and has expressed its deepest concern at the gravity of the human rights violations reiterating its call on Bashar al Assad to relinquish power immediately in order to facilitate a democratic transition.