Arab West Report Egyptian press summaries and media research for dialogue

Coptic thinker and writer Kamāl Zākhir discredits the idea of appointment of Copts in parliament. "This appointment would cause imbalance in Egyptian politics and is against democracy," he said.

Zākhir noted that Copts have not and will not demand appointment in parliament, particularly after the January 25 revolution.

"I think the coming period will see positive and effective participation, not just by Copts, but also by all parties. I expect a more active Coptic participation in the forthcoming parliament if elections were held in an atmosphere of transparency and activation of rules prohibiting any religious slogans," he said.

Jamāl As'ad, who refused to be introduced as "Coptic intellectual" and asked to be called "Egyptian intellectual, said that there are no changes in Coptic circles, not before the revolution or after it, adding the Maspero protests have shown that there is a group of Copts who do not succumb to the authority of the pope or the church," hje said.

As'ad noted that when Copts practice politics as Egyptians, not just Christians who have political demands, only then the Copts' participation can be called genuine and active.

Coptic thinker Dr. Rafīq Habīb, the deputy leader of the Freedom and Justice Party (FJP), the political wing of the Muslim Brotherhood group, said that Christians in Egypt are making steps ahead, albeit slow, to interact in politics and bring their political isolation to an end.

Dr. Ikrām Lam'ī, Director of the Evangelical Theological Seminary in Cairo and Spokesman for the Evangelical Church, said all Copts must stand on national, not religious, grounds, adding Copts must play political, socio-economic and developmental roles.

"The revolution of January 25 has mainly started so that the Egyptian society would restore democracy, liberalism, justice and equality as well as bringing Copts' political participation back to life," said Lam'ī.

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