The Canada Egypt Business Council “CEBC” hosted a special event and a panel discussion at the Four Seasons Hotel, featuring the eminent writer and political analyst Dr. Moustafa El Fekki, Eng. Naguib Sawiris, Executive Chairman, Orascom Telecom Holding and Mr. George Ishak, Head of the National Association for Change, Kefaya.

The event was prompted by the spirit of the 25th of January revolution that has revealed the real power of cohesion between Muslims and Christians, writing a new birth certificate to the great nation, Egypt.

Over 450 prominent attendees from ministers, ambassadors, CEBC members and guests attended the event.

The CEBC Chairman, Mr. Motaz Raslan delivered his opening remarks by congratulating all Egyptians for the historic triumph our nation achieved during the revolution, stressing on the impact of the revolution in conquering huge achievements that were considered impossible before. He went on to pay tribute to the martyrs who gave their lives for the freedom of their country.

Mr. Raslan then explained the significance of national unity, pointing out that it was one of the most crucial reasons for the success of the revolution, saying that the January 25th Revolution revealed the real power of cohesion and unity between Muslims and Christians, however, this picture was tainted by the subsequent incident of the Etfeeh church.

He further explicated that rifts between citizens of a nation could not exist because of religion in the 21st century, affirming that our strength relies in our unity and our joint progress.

Mr. Raslan delved into the role of the political vacuum and the suppression of freedoms that our country long suffered from, describing them as important causes of the sectarian tension that is currently proceeding. He further pointed out that people instead of going to mosques and churches in search of spiritual gratification, shifted to deterioration of psychological cohesion and adherence to fanatical extremism.

“Following the January 25 uprising and in the shadow of the open political roof, the Egyptians will find other platforms for the expression of speech which is the normal right of every citizen and that might allow us to work together away from the temptation for a better future of our country.” Mr. Raslan added.

Raslan finally suggested promoting a culture of citizenship and passing laws to protect and develop the religious discourse including the media and civil society participation to emphasize national unity, that is needed to strengthen our common power in the coming period for the welfare of Egypt.

Mr. Raslan then gave the floor to H.E. Ferry de Kerckhove, Canada’s Ambassador to Egypt who started his speech by emphasizing the importance of pluralism and diversity as acts of speaking, understanding and sharing respect, noting that tolerance is a virtue and a lofty. However, he asserted the notion of tolerance individually is only a route while pluralism entails the active seeking of understanding and sharing among citizens.

Ambassador de Kerckhove discussed his perspective on the mandate for change that Egypt is currently seeking, which as he explained relies on fostering a society where people are allowed to retain and express their cultural, linguistic and religious heritage within a framework of shared citizenship.

Central to this endeavor, the Canadian Ambassador finally added that ensuring every Egyptian’s opportunity in realizing a full potential as a free citizen would certainly create a healthy civil society, which is indispensable to the existence of a democratic government.

During his speech at the event, Dr. Moustafa El Fekky explained that January 25 revolution has created a new Egypt. “It was a cake which we were regrettably unable to enjoy as a result of the sectarian problem which recently surfaced,” commented Dr. El-Fekky. He further described the sectarian tension as a persistent problem, noting that all further problems including work conditions and wages can be resolved. “Sectarian tension, distresses the fabric of our nation that jointly embraces Egypt.” Said El-Fekky

He also highlighted the significance of liberal and united movements, adding that if we talk about religions then we are ruining the beautiful picture we showed the world in January 25. “Every Muslim in Egypt is an expansion of the Coptic legacy, as any Coptic Christian is in fact a cousin, uncle, or grandfather”

He went on to emphasize that it was a good sign when Christians decided to protest in front of “Maspero building” and not in front a cathedral. “This signifies, that we are a worldly nation, as people demonstrate in front of the media headquarters, the supreme council, which is the judicial power or the Parliament, which is the legislative power.”
Dr. El-Fekky also affirmed that there is no foundation to the sectarian problem in Egypt and that after January 25 revolution; we are all obliged to battle all forces of prejudice, discrimination, division of unity, and distraction.
Moving to the subject of constitutional amendments, he explained that the constitution fell when Mubarak stepped down, clarifying that the current constitution encompasses numerous articles giving the president complete power and authority.
“We need to knock down the concept of the Godly ruler, the Pharaoh concept, we want a democratic nation which believes that all citizens have equal rights, and if this is not feasible, then all the triumphs of the revolution will be in vain.”
Mr. George Ishak, Head of the National Association for Change, “Kefaya”, then took the podium explaining that the current sectarian tension is a relic of the old regime and an evidence that it was working in concealment. He further elaborated that the sectarian rift without the National Democratic Party, NDP, has entirely no existence at all, pointing out that there are abundant solutions to the problem when there is a real will for solving.
Mr. Ishaq further outlined his vision and called for emphasizing national cohesion and unity, explaining that we cannot abandon the blood of our martyrs who died for the sake of the future of this country, and for revealing a true liberation for Egypt.
However, he lamented finding some pictures of dividing and conspiracy, experienced by some of the members of the NDP. “The sectarian file is a conception of the old regime”, pointing out to the speculations of the contribution of former minister of interior affairs, Habib El-Adly, in the Alexandria church bombing that happened on the previous New Year’s Eve. Mr. Ishaq finally called for a responsiveness campaign to raise awareness about the constitutional amendments and their consequences.
Mr. Ishaq was followed by the final keynote speaker of the event, Eng. Naguib Sawiris, Executive Chairman, Orascom Telecom Holding, who started by delving into the impact of the current constitutional amendments on shaping Egypt’s future. He also affirmed that many people would take part in the referendum, imaging that by voting yes, they are for a stable and democratic country unaware that they are creating devastation.
“The amendments disregard segments of the society”, he added, explaining that they do not permit neither a woman nor a Christian to participate in the next Presidential elections or be a President for Egypt. Eng. Sawiris then urged everyone to read the constitutional amendments carefully, and described the coming months as the most influential in our history, as either to be or not to be.
Furthermore, he added that the recent incidents of Etfeeh were not created due to sectarian strife; however, he portrayed it as the spark that ignited the gasoline that might undermine the nation as a whole.

Finally, Eng. Sawiris advocated the whole nation to be aware of the planned conspiracy of what is claimed to be ‘the opposing revolution’ and to work for promoting the notion of Muslim and Christian as an integral part in the fabric of a developed liberal Egypt.

The floor was then opened to questions posted by audience members covering topics such as, revamping, and expanding economic development in Egypt, ways of propagating awareness on how to express our opinions in effective ways rather than protesting, the crimes of the old regimes against the Egyptian citizens, as well as maintaining the equality of political rights to all Egyptians regardless of their gender or religion.

This event would have been unattainable as a platform for expression and freedom of speech without the existence of the January 25 revolution, which we all pay tribute for evolving the dignity of Egyptians.