Egypt to Confront Muslim Protests Against Christian Governor

By Mariam Fam - Apr 20, 2011 3:24 PM ET

Egypt’s cabinet asked the interior minister to “confront acts that violate the law” in the southern province of Qena, where protesters, some blocking a railway line, are demanding the resignation of a Christian governor.

In a faxed statement, the cabinet said it can’t stay “silent” about events that “undermine public security” and obstruct public services. Blocking the railroad is “unacceptable” and the government will “take all measures” to end the protests, which cost the country 1 million Egyptian pounds (about $168,000) in losses a day, the state-run Middle East News Agency said, citing Ahmed El Simman, media counselor to the prime minister.

In the latest sign of sectarian tensions, demonstrations have been staged in Qena since last week against the recent appointment of a Christian, Emad Mikhail, as governor.
“A non-Muslim should not rule over Muslims,” Mohammed Hamza, a 29-year-old who has been participating in the demonstrations, said in a telephone interview from Qena. “This guy could be shot at if he shows up here.”

Full story: http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2011-04-20/egypt-to-confront-muslim-protests-against-christian-governor.html