Jamaa Islamiyah: We will not target Copts

Egyptian Islamist organisation Jamaa Islamiyah said on Tuesday that it would not target Copts for taking part in the country’s parliamentary elections, and that it will not ally with Al-Nour Party in Upper Egypt, Almesryoon reported a statement.

The Group’s statement came in the wake of reports that it is to ally with Al-Nour Party and to take up weapons against Copts if they took part in the parliamentary elections.

According to the statement, the Group said: “Based on our clear national stance towards the elections, we will not take part or support any party taking part in it,” stressing that it believes in the citizenship of all Egyptians regardless of their religions.

In the statement, the Group recalled several of its previous positions, which, it said, reinforce its belief in the “partnership” of the country. It recalled its protection of Coptic Churches on numerous occasions and its putting an end to sedition targeting Copts in different cities across Egypt.

The Group also recalled its position regarding the former parliament, in which conceded its seats to Copts and women in order balance the different powers.

Concluding its statement, the Group said that it believes only in peaceful ways to solve any problem or sort out any difference with partners in the country. It also said that it rejects violence and that this has been clear in its statements since its anti-violence initiative of 1997.