CAIRO, May 29 (MENA) – The foreign ministry’s official spokesperson Thursday stressed that rumors about seizing St. Catherine’s Monastery and its affiliated land are completely unfounded.
The spokesperson made the remarks in response to a query by MENA regarding a court ruling issued on May 28, concerning the land surrounding St. Catherine’s Monastery.
“Upon reviewing the full text of the ruling, the following facts have become clear:
“Firstly, there is absolutely no infringement on Saint Catherine’s Monastery, its affiliated archaeological sites, its spiritual value, religious status, or its cemeteries,” he stressed.
The spokesperson emphasized that this judicial ruling marks the first time the status of the monastery has been legalized while affirming the preservation of its sacred standing.
“Secondly, although there are some additional sites for which contracts were signed with local authorities — even though they are natural reserves — the ruling, out of respect for the monastery’s spiritual value and high religious standing, acknowledged continued monk access to the monastery, religious sites, and archaeological areas.
“Thirdly, the court ruling referred to certain remote areas within natural reserves that are completely distant from the monastery, uninhabited, and for which no ownership or possession documents exist. Therefore, these areas are considered state-owned land,” he noted.
The spokesperson stressed the importance of verifying the accuracy of information and refraining from drawing premature or incorrect conclusions without reviewing the full judicial ruling.
He also emphasized the importance of preserving the centuries-long, strong, fraternal, and historical relations between Egypt and the friendly nation of Greece. (MENA)
