Al-Quds is an Arab city, we refuse its internationalization
Egypt, Politics, 11/18/2000

Pope Shenouda III of the Coptic Orthodox Church left Paris late Friday heading home after receiving the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) prize for tolerance and resistance of violence.

Pope Shenouda expressed his appreciation for President Hosni Mubarak who is always keen on rectifying conditions. He added that Copts Awkaf were restored due to President Mubarak's directives.

"Moreover, building Churches and restoring them are notably developed. Violence can be averted via several ways, foremost important by means of love and tolerance," Pope Shenouda said. Egypt's top Coptic clergyman alluded to his deep ties with Azhar Grand Imam Sheikh Mohamed Sayed Tantawi as well as many Muslims.

The UNESCO director general praised the role of Pope Shenouda III in reinforcing tolerance and understanding between Muslims and Christians in Egypt and the Middle East.

He voiced pleasure over granting the top Coptic clergyman the prize with an unanimous recommendation from the international committee for the prize.

On the other hand, in statements to Al-Arab Al-Youm newspaper, Pope Shenouda III of Alexandria on Friday urged the Arab and Islamic nations to support the Palestinian Intifada in the face of the rapid Israeli aggression and in defense of Jerusalem, A1-Aqsa Mosque and the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people.

He added Jerusalem is of importance not only to the Palestinians but to the entire Arab world especially after the attack on A1-Aqsa Mosque. He underlined the Arab character of A1-Quds and said we can not accept that this holy city be internationalized.

On the attitude of the Coptic Church vis a vis the developments in the Palestinian land, he said the church calls for extending all kind of aid and assistance to the Palestinians.

"Ever since old time Jews' hands have been smeared with blood and now they are deep in Palestinian bloodbath," he said.

He called for creating an Arab lobby in the US and Europe to face up to the Jewish influence.

Previous Stories:
  Mubarak, Arafat probe situation in Palestinian territories   (11/15/2000)
  Egypt's democracy, new stage of political action   (11/13/2000)
  Egypt proposes increasing al-Aqsa Fund, Intifada to $ 2b   (11/13/2000)

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