US officials praise Muslim-Copt spirit of endearment in Egypt
Egypt-USA, Culture, 3/3/2001

US officials praised the spirit of endearment and tolerance between Muslims and Copts in Egypt. US Deputy Ambassador in Cairo Reno Harnish said the Egyptian ancient civilization has entrenched tolerance inside the Egyptian people with all their sects.

Upon inauguration of the Abbot Antonios Monastery at A1 Zaafarana area, Red Sea governorate, Harnish said that the USAID'S interest in financing Egyptian antiquities restoration projects is out of the US appreciation of the prestigious Egyptian civilization.

Speaking to reporters in the Red Sea, Harnish noted that the US is keen to found partnership with Egypt in all fields, adding Egypt plays a pivotal role in the Middle East and the Arab world.

On the other hand, Gaballah Ali Gaballah, Secretary-General of the Supreme Council of Antiquities (SCA), commended the USAID role in preserving Egypt's antiquities of all eras and dynasties, which are treasures cherished by mankind.

"The 20-feddan Abbot Antonios Monastery acquires a special importance in Egypt's Coptic history as it is the first monastic building world wide," he said. Saint Antonios, the first monk in Egypt, is called the father of Monks.

Built in the fourth century AD, the monastery has a sublime artistic value because it contains seven churches and a spring, where water flows from a depth of eight meters inside the mountain, said Gaballah. The spring is 400 meters above the sea level. It provides the monastery with 100 cubic meters of water per day.

On his part, Egypt's USAID chief Pillard Pearson said the US assistance program has been keen, since 1975, on working in important and vital sectors in Egypt, such as rejuvenating antiquities, raising: environmental awareness of school students, supporting small businesses, and advancing financial assistance to the private sector via the USAID commodity import program.

The USAID funded the Abbot Antonios monastery restoration project. The American Research: Center in Egypt sponsored the restoration project, carried, out by a team of Italian specialists over 400 days, said Pearson.

The US aid to Egypt hits $ 695 million at present, and is reduced by five percent annually and is expected to hit $ 400 million in 2009.

Previous Stories:
  Anba Antonius church wall paintings refurbished   (3/1/2001)
  Muslims ,Christians live in harmony in Egypt   (12/19/2000)
  Holy Family route, opened in Egypt   (6/3/2000)
  Address by First Lady Clinton at American University in Cairo   (3/28/2000)
  Metropolitan Museum of Art displays Greek, Roman, Egyptian mummy portraits   (2/16/2000)
  Egypt proposes cultural prize with US   (12/17/1999)

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