Foreign Ministry: ‘Greece Stands at the Side of its Friend Egypt’

Greece condemned the deadly bombing attack that took place at the Coptic church of St. George, in the city of Tanta, Egypt, on Palm Sunday.

“We unequivocally condemn terrorism in all its forms… Such instances of barbaric, blind violence will not impinge on the tolerant and multi-faith nature of Egyptian society,” an announcement by the Foreign Ministry said.

“Greece stands at the side of its friend Egypt and addresses its deep condolences to the victims’ loved ones, the Egyptian people and their government.”

Hours after the bombing, a second explosion hit Saint Mark’s Cathedral in the coastal city of Alexandria.

Forty-three people were killed in the two explosions at the Coptic churches on Palm Sunday, which is the Sunday before Easter and marks the start of Holy Week for Christians.

Meanwhile, Egyptian security officials found and defused several other explosive devices at other locations.

According to international media reports, Isis claimed responsibility for both bombings via its Aamaq news agency.

In December 2016, an Isis affiliate group claimed a suicide bombing at St. Mark’s Coptic Cathedral in Cairo that killed some 28 people.