Foreign Minister says Cyprus supports Egyptian people

Cyprus Foreign Minister Ioannis Kasoulides has expressed the nation's solidarity to the people of Egypt where the military ousted the country’s Islamist president Mohamed Morsi on July 3 sparking popular mass protests.

Kasoulides was speaking to reporters on the sidelines of a visit to St. Mark Coptic Orthodox Church of Nicosia. He said that more than 40 churches, mosques, government buildings have been set on fire in Egypt and he visited the church to express his support to the people of Egypt and his sadness for the events that are taking place.

Kasoulides expressed support to the Coptic Church noting that Cypriots do not discriminate between the people of Egypt, whether they are Moslems or Christians. He condemned any actions from extremist elements, which usually single out Christian communities.

Answering questions, the minister said no information was conveyed to the ministry about problems with Cypriots living or holidaying in Egypt.

The Cyprus embassy in Cairo, he added, is in communication with other EU member state embassies and knows what to do if there is a problem. If the travel advice is adhered to and visits near sites where demonstrations are taking place, are avoided, then there should not be any problems, he concluded.