Pope Shenouda confirms that he will not visit Jerusalem while it is under Israeli occupation
Egypt, Religion, 1/30/1998

In a press statement to Al Siasa Al Kuwaitia Newspaper, Pope Shenouda III, the Patriarch of the Orthodox Copts in Egypt, confirmed anew that he will not visit Jerusalem while it is under Israeli occupation. He added that no Copts will be allowed to visit Jerusalem until Christians visit it with their Muslim brothers after its liberation.

The Pope stated that no one will ever be able to affect Egypt's national unity, and that terrorism will never divide the nation.

He said Egypt has one people that cannot be divided. He recalled the 10th of Ramadan War (October 1973 War with Israel) when General Ahmed Badawi (a Muslim) was the leader of the third field army and General Fouad Aziz Ghali (a Christian) was the leader of the second field army. The two crossed the canal together and defeated the Israelis.

He also stated that terrorism is an abnormal phenomenon in Egypt, not one of the customs or traditions of Islam support such acts. He said the real Muslim is the one from whom people are safe, "from his tongue and his hand."

Previous Stories:
  Pope Shenouda heads to Washington next week   (1/28/1998)
  Egyptians united in denouncing Luxor attack   (12/29/1997)
  Pope Shenouda III rejects foreign intervention in Copts' affairs   (10/2/1997)

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