Oral question asked in the House of Lords, by Baroness Cox (Crossbench). It was answered by Lord Triesman (Labour) on Monday, 8 May 2006.

Egypt: Coptic Christians

Question: Whether they will make representations to the Government of Egypt about the recent attacks on Coptic Christians.

Answer: My Lords, the Government share the noble Baroness’s concern about recent incidents in Egypt. Following the events in Alexandria between 14 and 16 April, our embassy in Cairo discussed the matter with the Egyptian Government on 22 April. The Egyptian Government have confirmed that an investigation into the events is being conducted. Some arrests have been made. Coptic Christians form a large minority in Egypt. Since the events in Alexandria, the Egyptian Government have publicly reaffirmed the importance that they attach to promoting tolerance and understanding between the Coptic and Muslim communities.

Secondary information