Sensation causes the unacceptable decision of Egypt to close the Monastery of St. Catherine Sinai -The oldest Christian monastery in the world. Much more, since the Egyptian President, Abdel Fatah al -Sisihe had discussed this issue with the Greek Prime Minister, Kyriakos Mitsotakisabout three weeks ago.
The meeting of the two leaders, on May 7, was held at the meeting of the 1st Hellenic -Egypt Cooperation Council of Cooperation, during which Athens and Cairo signed a declaration of a strategic partnership. During this time, the symbolism of the Saint Catherine Sinai Monastery and the importance of preserving its character as a living and functional lighthouse of the Greek Orthodox world were discussed.
Mr Sisi, in fact, stated then that he was “very angry” about the rumors that the Egyptian state would take negative measures against the monastery. He described them as unfounded and said, in fact, that he had been “anxious” to adversely affect Greece’s relations with Egypt.
Had rushed, and to sprout those who ‘play with such sensitive issues “and deny the rumor:” This is not going to be done and I personally confirm it and please do not believe such malicious rumors. The Egyptian state and I personally commit that the Egyptian state’s relationship to date with the Sinai Monastery can not be bothering it. ”
See Mitsotakis’ statements about the monastery from 2:18 ” to 2:44 ” and Sisi from 13:15 ” to 17:00 ”
More specifically, addressing the President of Egypt, Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis had emphasized, referring to the Sinai Monastery: “Let me, Mr. President, make a separate reference to the only Saint Catherine of Sinai. A rare cultural heritage monument, which connects our two countries. I would like to thank you in particular for your personal interest, I emphasize, your personal interest in protecting the monastery and its Greek Orthodox character. “
The president of Egypt, in his disagreement, said, among other things: “I discussed with the Prime Minister on the issue of St. Catherine Sinai’s monastery and I would not only want to be enough in the discussion we had about it. Let me address all those who hear these statements, especially the peoples of Greece and Egypt, as well as all humanity. For the last ten years, we have been focusing on Egypt on the establishment of absolute respect, not only for others, but in general on all kinds of diversity. This was not just a political initiative and priority, but we have brought it to its practical implementation. “
And Al Sisi continued: “I inform you that I was personally alarmed and saddened when rumors have been circulated that the Egyptian state would take negative measures against the monastery, not only because of the value of the monastery worldwide, but simply because we are very opposed to its politicians. When in 2011, 2012 and 2013, Islamist terrorists set fire to 65 churches, the Egyptian state undertook their restoration and restoration completely and completely. There is also a Presidential Decree to build churches in all new cities and areas of Egypt. “
He concluded: “I wanted to emphasize this particularly in my statements, because I was worried that what was circulating could evenly affect the excellent relations of the two countries, but mainly of the two peoples. Some people with such sensitive issues are not allowed to play. This is not going to happen and I personally confirm this and please do not believe such malicious rumors. The Egyptian state and I are personally committed to the Egyptian state’s relationship to date with the Sinai Monastery, nor will anyone tease it. Not only that. The Egyptian state has all the mood to support any need for the monastery and this with all our love and care. “