Last Wednesday 24 September saw the British Ambassador to Egypt, John Casson, pay a visit to Alexandria. Mr Casson visited the Saints Church which had been the site of the horrendous bombing on New Year Eve 2011 that left some 24 dead and more than 100 injured. They had been leaving church after attending a Midnight New Year service. The ambassador, who met one of the survivors of the terrorist bombing, said he was genuinely moved by the visit. He said terrorism must be fought and tolerant societies bred where all faiths and people are respected. He said he believes that piousness rejects terrorism, fanaticism and violence.
This was the first visit Casson pays to Alexandria since he came as ambassador to Egypt. During his two-day visit he met senior officials and businessmen, among them the heads of British Gas and Uniliver.
Mr Casson had years ago spent six weeks learning Arabic at Alexandria University. He says that Alexandria will always have a special place in his heart.
Watani International
26 September 2014