[RNSAW Editor: Mustafa Abdel-Qader, Minister for Local Development voiced in this interview the same opinion as in Al-Ahram. "A solution for the problems in Al-Kosheh depends on the political dimension, development and respect for the law." The interview concerned development in general and included Al-Kosheh. Only the responses concerning Al-Kosheh have been translated.]
Q: [Al-Musawwar]: What is the truth about twenty Copts dying in a fight. Can we say they are the victims of an extremist group or is this the result of bad management [of conflicts]. What is the truth about the church which is represented by Bishop Wissa and Father Gibra’il who played a very negative role? Is it true that the fight was the result of weapon traders in Dar Al-Salaam who wanted to ruin its market?
A: [Minister Mustafa Abdel-Qader]: We cannot separate the factors that led to this crime. Whether it goes back to systems [local authorities] or individuals. The consequences are represented in a horrible crime no single Egyptian can agree to. The criminals should be punished and this crime should never be repeated by any means. [Editor: In other words the minister doesn’t answer the question. He responds only that many different factors played a role.]
Q: Are there extremists groups in Al-Kosheh belonging to the Gamaat or Jihad movements?
A: According to the testimony of the Christians and the information obtained from the security, political and public forces in the governorate there are no such groups.
Q: Do you consider Bishop Wissa to be responsible for this negative phenomenon?
A: When I went to Al-Kosheh I visited Bishop Wissa in the bishopric and I sat with him and didn’t leave the place until he exchanged visits with General Ahmed Bakr, the governor of Sohag. The governor visited him with me first, and Bishop Wissa later visited the governor and some of the problems that existed between the parties began to be solved through the peace-making committee which was expanded with representatives from large [and important] families, religious men, politicians and public figures. The subject was dealt with in direct conversations. In addition to that the development process in Al-Kosheh, including establishing commercial shops, started.
Q: Did the nature of relationships change in Al-Kosheh or not?
A: Things returned to normal. Every party took what he should take. They all agreed to return to law.
Q: The Copts usually complain of not being represented in the local councils of villages where the majority is Christian.
A: In the previous period the Copts preferred not to work in politics because they were interested in commercial activities. At the same time they did not want to raise the anger of the terrorist trend but after a long time and after conditions improved and changed they were looking for political participation in order to prove themselves, especially since the atmosphere is adequate for that and the country is not against that as long as the conditions are OK.
[RNSAW Editor: From here on the interview continued on different development issues.]
