European Union says ‘stands side by side’ with Egypt to defeat terrorism

The European Union (EU) has condemned the Sunday bombing at the Coptic Orthodox Cathedral in Cairo that killed at least 25 worshippers and injured 49 others.

“Our thoughts now are with the victims and their families. The EU expresses its condolences to the bereaved, and stands side by side with Egypt in the efforts to defeat terrorism in their country,” said a spokesperson for EU High Representative Federica Mogherini in a statement.

A bomb went off inside a church attached to the Coptic Cathedral in Cairo early Sunday, one of the deadliest attacks on Egyptian Christians in years.

Following the attack, Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi announced that the country will observe three days of mourning.

No one has claimed responsibility for the bombing so far. Islamist groups are waging an insurgency against the Egyptian state in North Sinai and sporadic attacks have occurred in Cairo and other governorates since Islamist President Mohamed Morsi was toppled in mid 2013.

Source: Ahram Online