IThe three Christian churches called the speech “disappointing” and proves that the President is living in a “virtual world”. The statement added that his message to Copts was a direct threat and shows that his relationship to Copts is “cold”.

Shaykh Dr. Muhammad Mihannā, Azhar’s Grand Shaykh’s advisor, said that the President invited Dr. Muhammad al-Tayyīb, Azhar’s Grand Shaykh, but al-Tayyīb did not attend because he is a religious symbol to the nation and is not a politician (Mustafá Rahūmah and Wā’il Fāyiz, al-Watan, Jun. 28, p. 4). Read original text in Arabic.