WASHINGTON, DC: U.S. Representative Dave Trott (MI-11), Michigan’s only Member of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, recently led a bipartisan effort in Congress condemning multiple terrorist attacks targeting local security and Coptic Christians, as well as vowing to continue protecting religious minorities in the Middle East.
“As the representative of a vibrant Coptic Christian population in Southeast Michigan, I was deeply saddened by the recent terror attacks in Egypt targeting local security and Coptic Christians. Christianity in the Middle East has been under increasing attacks from groups like ISIS and it’s critical that protect these indigenous populations and all vulnerable communities from further attacks. I am encouraged by the bipartisan group of lawmakers who joined me in writing to the Egyptian Ambassador to express our condolences and I am also encouraged by the cooperation we’ve seen from the Egyptian government to stand against these kinds of disgraceful terror attacks,” said Rep. Trott.
Rep. Trott and other lawmakers wrote Egyptian Ambassador Yasser Reda, following the December 11 suicide attack, targeting Coptic Christians inside St. Peter’s Church adjacent to the Coptic Cathedral. As many as 25 people were killed, with dozens injured.
Below is the text of the letter sent to Ambassador Reda:
His Excellency Ambassador Yasser Reda
Embassy of the Arab Republic of Egypt
3521 International Court NW
Washington, DC 20008
December 20, 2016
Dear Ambassador Reda,
For decades, our two countries have sustained a strong relationship rooted in deep cultural, economic, and security ties and shared interests. Due to the rapidly changing dynamics in the world, the strength of the United States-Egypt relationship is critical in maintaining a balance in the Middle East.
From the establishment of diplomatic relations in the 1920s, to the signing of the historic Camp David Accords in 1979, to our current fight in the War on Terror, our relationship has transcended history, armed conflicts, and various crises. We’ve established a firm relationship built on an unbreakable bond of respect, trust and honesty.
We write today to extend our condolences and deepest sympathies regarding the multiple terrorist attacks that have taken place in Cairo within the past weeks. On December 9th, six police officers were killed and three were wounded in an attack targeting local security outside of a mosque in Giza. Two days later on December 11th, a public holiday celebrating the birth of The Prophet, a suicide bomber targeting Coptic Christians detonated explosives inside St. Peter’s Church adjacent to the Coptic Cathedral. Reports indicate that at least 25 were killed, with dozens injured. The vile evil of terrorism spares no religion.
We are very encouraged that President Sisi regularly promotes a narrative that stresses inclusiveness amongst all Egyptians, Christians and Muslims alike. This has been well documented with his leadership in becoming the first Egyptian President to attend a Christmas Liturgy this past January, promising to rebuild all the Coptic Churches and religious institutions that were victims of terrorism in August 2013, and his regular calls to purge religious discourse of extremism. In a strong show of national unity, the Egyptian Government immediately called for a 3 day mourning period and gave the martyrs of the December 11th attack a State funeral procession attended by the President and other high-ranking officials.
In the next three weeks, Egyptians all over the country will celebrate various events. Recently, ISIS and Muslim Brotherhood affiliated groups have threatened to continue their attacks and specifically target local police and Coptic Christian communities. With a recent uptick in terrorism spreading from the Sinai Peninsula to the more crowded metropolitan areas of Egypt, it is our hope and belief that your security forces will ensure the utmost protection and security for all Egyptians as they begin a festive time of the year.
As always, we look forward to cooperating with you on these matters as Egypt fends off its various challenges and our unmistakable relationship grows even stronger.
Very Respectfully,
Dave Trott
Brad Sherman
Jeff Fortenberry
Albio Sires
Steve Chabot
Lee Zeldin
Dana Rohrabacher
Chris Smith
Mike Bishop
Bill Huizenga
Anna Eshoo
Steve King
Since coming to Congress, Rep. Trott has been Michigan’s leading voice on foreign affairs and has introduced legislation to require the U.S. State Department to report on the status of Christian properties that were burned, damaged, or otherwise destroyed in Egypt, during the period of sectarian violence in August 2013.
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https://trott.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-trott-fights-protect-egypt-s-coptic-community