Al-Tahrīr criticized the statement and called it “manipulation and fraud”.

Below is the full text of the  statement as it came on the “Office of Assistant to President of Egypt on Foreign Relations – Official” Facebook page, it was posted on Monday, April 8, 2013:

- On Al-Khusous and Cathedral Events - 

During the past few days, Egypt has witnessed an unfortunate series of accidents triggered by the clashes that took place between Muslim and Christian Egyptians in al-Khusous, Qaliobeyya on Friday, April, 5, 2013. During those incidents, one citizen was killed and a number of others were injured. An argument over graffiti comprised of Christian symbols on the wall of an Azhar building in al-Khusous escalated resulting in the killing of a Muslim Egyptian followed by the killing of five Christian Egyptians. Security forces contained the situation and deployed forces throughout the city to prevent further clashes while judicial authorities opened an investigation into the incident and arrests were made against suspects.

On Sunday April 7, events further escalated during the funeral procession of the Christian Egyptians killed when angry mourners vandalized cars lined up on Ramsis street. This led to stones throwing and firing of fire-crackers by people in the neighborhood of the Cathedral. The situation further escalated into guns and pellet guns being fired, according to the neighborhood's security official. Camera lens also captured individuals carrying live weapons, Molotov cocktails, and rocks to the roof of the cathedral as well as inside and outside of it which prompted police to intervene and disperse the clashes with tear gas. The individuals seen to be firing firearms have been vehemently disavowed by the mourners. Investigations are still being conducted to reveal the identity of those involved in this incident.

The Ministry of Interior immediately intensified its presence in the area to prevent the recurrence of clashes and the Prosecutor-general called for a quick and thorough investigation into the incident and the referral of the victim's body for forensic autopsy to determine the cause of death. Security forces also intensified their presence in the area surrounding the cathedral in Ramsis Street, where about 12 central security cars, and four armored vehicles and a fire truck were present near the main gate of the cathedral and security forces closed all roads leading to it. 25 police officers were injured during the clashes. The minister of interior affairs also visited the Cathedral site in the evening to make sure that the situation remained under control.

The Egyptian presidency has been following these unfortunate events with great concern and has instructed all authorities concerned to exert their utmost efforts to contain the situation and protect the lives and property of citizens. President Morsy also called for an immediate investigation into the incidents to hold those who are found to be involved accountable, emphasizing that the results of investigations be publicized as soon as they come out. The presidency also urged all citizens to avoid sectarian calls that divide the nation. In a telephone conversation with Pope Tawadros II, the President conveyed that he considered the assault on the cathedral, an assault on him personally.

The Ministry of Interior has been committed to the President's instructions of self-restraint in dealing with the violent acts and in considering the balance between the citizens’ right to peaceful expression of opinion and the right of all citizens to safety and security. The Egyptian state is seeking to overcome these phenomena that are alien to the Egyptian people through a number of legislative and security procedures that will address the different aspects of the problem.

In this context, the Egyptian presidency would like to affirm its full rejection of violence in all its forms, and under any pretext and affirms that all Egyptians are citizens who should enjoy all rights and are equal before the law. The presidency further stresses that it will not allow any attempts to divide the nation, incite sedition, or drive a wedge among Egyptians under any pretense and that it is doing all it can to realize the sovereignty of law and hold the assailants accountable. 

- End -

(‘Isām al-Haddād, “Office of Assistant to President of Egypt on Foreign Relations – Official” Facebook page, Apr. 8). Read full text in English.

(Amīrah Ibrāhīm, al-Tahrīr, Apr. 10, p. 5). Read original text in Arabic.