US, Russia and Spain condemn Minya bus attack, express solidarity with Egypt

CAIRO - 3 November 2018: The Spanish, U.S. and Russian governments strongly condemned on Saturday the Friday terrorist attack that targeted Copts near the Monastery of Saint Samuel in Minya governorate.

At least seven people were announced killed and seven others wounded after the bus was attacked near the monastery of Saint Samuel the Confessor.

The Spanish Embassy in Cairo issued a statement, saying the Spanish government extend its heartfelt condolences to the Egyptian authorities and people, wishing the injured a speedy recovery.

Spain voiced support for Egypt in its fight against terrorism and efforts exerted to defend coexistence among communities and religions, the statement added.

The spokesperson for the U.S. Department of State Heather Nauert condemned the attack in a post on the US Embassy’s Facebook page. "We remain steadfast in our support of Egypt’s efforts to combat terrorism and violence against religious communities," the statement reported.

Also the Russian Embassy in Egypt condemn the attack by its official Twitter account, the embassy expressed its deepest condolences to the Egyptian people and to the victims' families and relatives.

On Friday, President Abdel Fatah al-Sisi telephoned Pope Twadros II of Alexandria to express his condolences, the Orthodox Church announced in a statement.

Sisi earlier mourned the victims of the attack, describing perpetrators as "treacherous hands that seek to undermine the cohesive fabric of the homeland."
He also affirmed the nation's determination to continue efforts to combat terrorism and prosecute the perpetrators.

Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly has followed up on the consequences of the incident, calling for arresting the perpetrators and bringing them to justice as soon as possible.

He also contacted the ministers of interior, health and social solidarity to direct the provision of full care and moral support to families of the victims.