Norway condemns terrorist attack in Egypt

Norway has reacted strongly to the terrorist attack on a Coptic church in Alexandria, Egypt, just after midnight on 1 January. “I condemn this attack in the strongest possible terms,” said Foreign Minister Jonas Gahr Støre. 

At the same time Mr Støre stressed that the Egyptian authorities are responsible for safeguarding freedom of belief and the rights of religious minorities. The bomb attack was targeted at Christian Copts who were attending midnight mass on New Year’s Eve. At least 21 people were killed and many others injured in the blast. 

“Christian Copts have the right to practise their religion freely. We are following the situation in Egypt closely and expect the Egyptian authorities to defend freedom of religion. It is also important that the authorities now call for calm and urge all Egyptians to join together in the fight against terrorism,” said the Foreign Minister. 

About 10% of Egypt’s population are Christian Copts. In the past few years there has been growing tension between religious groups in the country. 

“My deepest sympathy goes to those who were injured or lost loved ones in the attack, and to all the people of Egypt,” said Mr Støre.