Bob Carr (NSW, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Foreign Affairs) Share this | Hansard source

No-one is under any illusion about the scale of the challenges facing Egypt at this time. Recent violence, including the suppression of protests in Maspero in October 2011 and attacks in Amiriya in January, have resulted in a tragic loss of life and injuries to hundreds of Egyptians. It is critical that religious freedoms are protected and that Egypt's transition is just and inclusive. Australia stands firm in our support for the Egyptian people as they make the historic transition to democracy. Egypt in fact has a history of religious tolerance and inclusiveness. The Australian government welcomes commitments by the Egyptian government to maintain that proud and time honoured tradition. We look to the Egyptian government to act on these commitments and to ensure equal treatment and protection under the law for all Egyptians.