Khaled Ibrahim, leader of the Islamic Group in Aswan, demanded that Egypt's Coptic Christian Church apologize to the residents of Marinab and to the public and executive authorities in Aswan for violations committed by a number of priests and Coptic organizations. Ibrahim demanded that Egypt's ruling military council and cabinet support the position adopted by the governor of Aswan, describing him as “courageous.” He demanded that the authorities not dismiss the governor in response to the threats raised by the Coptic community in Marinab. The Islamic preacher praised the governor, who referred the whole file to the prosecution for investigations as he found many violations in the licenses necessary to build the church. He said Muslims embrace their Christian brothers in Marinab, and criticized those priests who he said work to fuel sectarian tensions to break Egypt's image in the world's eyes. He also warned of responding to the calls by Coptic Organizations which work to gain the support of the U.S and Europe against the Egyptian people. Christians comprise about ten percent of Egypt's population.
