When asked whether there is a connection between the suffering of Christians in Iraq, Syria, and Egypt, he said that he was not 100% sure, but that there is certainly pressure on Christians’ presence in the Middle East in general; although, the Egyptian situation is different because the Copts have a long history in Egypt.
He said that maybe the U.S. or other Western countries benefit from Middle Eastern sectarianism, and maybe they orchestrated it, but he does not have any documented proof of this. Later, he added that the U.S. Administration only acts on its own interest, not on humane or moral principles. He continued that the U.S. Administration does not listen to the people’s voice, but only to the MB’s false allegations.
The Pope said that there is still love between all Egyptians and that Egypt would refuse any foreign intervention under any pretext.
When asked about the significance of more than 50 churches being burnt on the day that the sit-ins were dispersed he replied, “that is the price of freedom” and added that more than 100 Christian sites and 1,000 Coptic workplaces and houses were attacked.
Pope Tawadros stated that he believes that the Constitutional amendments must be supported by more than 60% of the people, preferably 90%.
He also said that the army is representative of all Egyptians and that it is being targeted by the MB. He is very optimistic for the coming days (Peter Majdī, al-Tahrīr, Sept. 1, p. 13).
(Flynne Rushton, Intern)
