Washington - On Sunday, a peaceful demonstration protesting the failure by the military government to prevent attacks on Coptic churches turned violent and resulted in the deaths of approximately 25 people and over 200 wounded. Independent accounts describe military vehicles deliberately running over unarmed protesters, opening fire with machine guns and state television calling on citizens to take to the streets to aid the army against the Copts.

Senator Menendez issued the following statement regarding the recent clashes:

"I am outraged by the Egyptian military council's response to Sunday's protest and their continued failure to ensure the security of the Coptic Christian community and its property.
I am also concerned by the military council's delay in setting a timetable for Presidential elections. Egypt needs a civilian government that represents the myriad voices in Egyptian society, ensures religious freedom, the rule of law, and protects human rights. The courage and resilience of the Egyptian people in overthrowing President Mubarak's autocratic rule will have been in vain, unless the military council sets a real timetable for transferring power to a popularly elected civilian government."

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