"With the approach of the second anniversary of the Revolution, I wish to celebrate it all together holding hands while chanting, '(Muslims and Christians) We are one.'  However, the rift in our unity now makes us worry and haunts us with many questions marks on the fate of this division in the relationship of the national community to each other whether will it come to a truce or escalation. And what impact would the whole situation have on the agenda and priorities set for the future as well as the upcoming parliamentary elections under the current electoral law that is rejected by some political forces? The question marks extend to whether the presidency will ignore or consider the proposals made by these forces and the Church in respect of the constitutional amendments?"

These and other questions were tackled during an interview with the member of the Shūrá Council, Dr. Sāmih Fawzī who is a Coptic writer, researcher, and one of the members of the Tripartite Commission to mediate between the presidency and the opposition forces.

Dr. Fawzī overtly expressed his concern that in the future the House of Representatives will be without Copts because of the polarization that is happening now, whereas parliamentary candidates should be elected for their programs and not their religious identity.

There are four Constitutional articles that the Churches proposed to amend: 219, 81, 10, and 23.

D. Fawzī further commented that the all parties are held accountable for the failure of the national dialogue which eventually will lead to weakening the economy. He, therefore, urges the Shūrá Council to set a legislative agenda for the convergence of views that can be only realized through listening to each other and clear procedures for amending the Constitution. “The anniversary of the Revolution should be a true opportunity for a comprehensive national reconciliation,” Dr. Saꞌīd said (Muhammad Nūr, Akhir Sāꞌah, Jan. 15, pp. 14 and 15). Read original text in Arabic.

In an unusual and unprecedented approach by a public figure, the Minister of Awqāf (Awkaf or Endowments) Dr. Talꞌat ‘Afīfī has embarrassed an Egyptian reporter, when he refused to be interviewed by her at the conference, “Ministries beyond Barriers” because she was not wearing the hijāb. The reporter later commented that many prior interviews were rejected by political figures; however, this was always on the ground of her political stance known to many, however, she has never experienced a rejection on the ground of her outfit, which, according to her, is a personal freedom (Ahmad Saꞌīd, al-Tahrīr, Jan. 15, p. 16). Read original text in Arabic.