Rome–Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi on Wednesday condemned violence against Christians in Egypt, adding his voice to a growing list of leaders who have expressed concern.
But Berlusconi, who has close ties with Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak, stopped short of urging specific action by Egyptian leaders. He said recent attacks in the Middle East were an attempt to undermine moderate Arab governments.
His comments come after the Vatican drew Egypt's ire when Pope Benedict this week called for more effective measures to protect religious minorities.
Egypt dismissed the remark as "unacceptable interference" in its internal affairs.
In a statement, Berlusconi said Egypt was an ally and expressed solidarity with the country and its leadership.
"Italy believes that the sorrowful attack against the Coptic Church of Alexandria was a serious episode of terrorism, which has hit the entire Egyptian community and its moderate leadership," Berlusconi said in a statement.
"Italy cannot but reiterate its concern for the episodes, in recent months in particular, that have bloodied the Middle East and in which Christians have been victims of cruel attacks."
A New Year bombing outside a church in the Egyptian city of Alexandria killed 23 people and wounded dozens, and prompted demonstrations by both Christians and Muslims.
In Berlin, the foreign ministers of Italy and Germany attending a summit urged the European Union to work with countries where inter-religious violence had occurred.
The Council of EU-Foreign Ministers on Jan. 31 is expected to suggest ways for cooperation to protect religious rights and promote dialogue, they said.
The Egypt attack took place as violence against Christians grew in various parts of the world.
Two people were killed and at least 16 wounded in a series of bomb attacks on the homes of minority Christians in the Iraqi capital, Baghdad, on 30 Dec.
Over Christmas, six people were killed in attacks on two Christian churches in northeastern Nigeria and six were wounded by a bomb in a Roman Catholic Church on the island of Jolo in the Philippines.
The Vatican fears that the attacks, combined with severe restrictions on Christians in countries such as Saudi Arabia, are fuelling a Christian exodus from the Middle East.
