Death of Pope Senuda III: EPP Group expresses its condolences. Joseph Daul MEP, Chairman of the EPP Group, and Jan Olbrycht MEP

It is with profound sorrow that the EPP Group has learned of the death of Senuda III, the leader of Egypt's Coptic Christians. On behalf of the EPP Group in European Parliament, Joseph Daul MEP, Chairman, and Jan Olbrycht MEP, Vice-Chairman responsible for Religious Affairs, have expressed their sincere condolences to the entire Coptic Church.

Mr Daul said: "As the leader of one of the most ancient Christian religions, Senuda III showed us, through his life and work, that one can stand up for religious freedom and human rights even in difficult times. The European Union has repeatedly condemned the lethal attacks against the Coptic community."

Mr Olbrycht continued: "The EPP Group shares the grief of the Coptic community whose members are being martyred by the hundreds for their faith today. As has always been the case in the past, the EPP Group will use every means at its disposal to stand up for the Coptic religious minority in Egypt. This is what the memory of Senuda III inspires us to do."

For further information:
Joseph Daul MEP, Chairman of the EPP Group, Tel: +32-2-2847525
Antoine Ripoll, Chairman's Spokesman, Tel: +32-475-856290
Delia Vlase, Chairman's Deputy Spokeswoman, Tel: +32-476-331038
Jan Olbrycht MEP, Tel: +32-2-2845511
Eduard Slootweg, EPP Group Press and Communications Service, Tel: +32-475-721280

Notes to Editors:
The EPP Group is by far the largest political group in the European Parliament with 271 Members.