Canada Condemns Attack on Coptic Christians
(No. 4 – January 7, 2010 – 6 p.m. EST) The Honourable Lawrence Cannon, Minister of Foreign Affairs, issued the following statement condemning the attack earlier today on Coptic Christians leaving a midnight Mass celebrating Christmas in Nag Hammadi, Egypt:
“Canada condemns the attack on Coptic Christians in Nag Hammadi. We extend our deepest sympathies to the families and friends of those killed and wish a speedy recovery to the injured. That the victims were innocent civilians congregating for a religious celebration makes this attack especially tragic.
“We encourage the Government of Egypt to continue its efforts to bring the perpetrators to justice and restore calm and order to the area. We call on the broader Egyptian community to work together to end sectarian violence.”
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For further information, media representatives may contact:
Natalie Sarafian
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Foreign Affairs
613-995-1851
Foreign Affairs Media Relations Office
Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada
613-995-1874