[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 66 (Friday, May 13, 2011)]
[House]
[Page H3284]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      RELIGIOUS VIOLENCE IN EGYPT

  (Mr. SIRES asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute.)
  Mr. SIRES. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my outrage over this 
weekend's religious violence in Egypt. Despite January's inspiring 
calls for freedom and democracy, religious minorities in Egypt, such as 
the Coptic Christians, are facing increasing attacks during Egypt's 
transition.
  On Saturday, a religious clash broke out in Cairo involving an 
estimated 2,000 people. In the aftermath of this weekend's sectarian 
violence, six Muslims and six Christians were dead.
  The Coptic Christians, like all Egyptians, are demanding freedom and 
respect. I am concerned that even with Egypt's transition, minority 
rights remain extremely limited, and I believe that the interim 
government is not doing enough to protect the rights and lives of its 
citizens.
  Coptic Christians deserve to live and worship without being 
threatened, injured or killed. Violence in the name of religion is 
unacceptable, but when governments do not sufficiently address such 
behavior, the violence is far more troubling.
  The United States must stand firmly with the people of Egypt, and the 
U.S. assistance to Egypt must be tied to a strong respect for human 
rights and freedom of religion.

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