The Egypt Copts Coalition and Coptic politicians said that Clinton’s visit aims at “dividing Egypt on a sectarian basis, which is rejected by the Egyptian people in general and the Copts in particular”.

They added that the division started when she met Islamist Muslim Brotherhood and salafī figures, followed by requests to meet Christian figures.

A statement to refuse meeting Clinton was signed by Georgette Qillīnī, ‘Imād Jād, Michael Meunir, Najīb Sawirus, Najīb Jabrā’īl and Kamīl Sidqī.

However, Clinton met with Dr. Safwat al-Bayādī, Most Rev. Dr. Munīr Hannā of the Episcopal / Anglican Diocese of Egypt and Bishop Nikola of the Roman Orthodox denomination. [Husnī Mīlād and Ahmad ‘Abd al-Hamīd, al-Akhbār, July 16, p. 3] Read original text in Arabic