E/CN.4/1993/62 page 27 The interlinkage between the principles of equality and justice is one of the main pillars on which the system of Government in Egypt is based. The allegation concerning the existence of persecution cannot be refuted solely by an affirmation concerning the existence of equality; it can be rebutted only by the real facts concerning the prevailing feeling of assimilation of the various component elements of the nation within Egyptian society. The allegation concerning the subjection of members of the Coptic community to acts of genocide or expulsion as persona non grata by the Egyptian Government is a purely fabricated and totally unfounded accusation in the light of the following considerations: The endorsement by the Government and people of Egypt of the nomination of Dr. Boutros-Ghali, a member of the Coptic community, to assume the post of Secretary-General of the United Nations, and the intense pride which all Egyptians felt at his success. The existence of an equitable and independent judiciary, in which a number of posts are held by members of the Christian community and which administers justice and prevents the occurrence of any persecution, oppression or mistreatment among the members of our united people in any case brought before it. The effective and positive participation by members of the Christian community in all spheres of life in Egyptian society, and their participation in the formulation of the public policy of the State by virtue of the senior positions that they hold in its executive, legislative and judicial branches. The multi-party political system which is applied in Egypt, where every citizen has the unrestricted right to vote, to stand as a candidate and to belong to any political party. (b) Incidents in the district of Embaba On 20 September 1991, a dispute broke out in the district of Embaba between a Christian family and two Muslim fundamentalists, in which members of the Christian family fired shots and assaulted one of the fundamentalists, who suffered several gunshot wounds and was taken to hospital in a critical condition. When a rumour spread to the effect that he had died, a group of those fundamentalists assembled and attacked property belonging to that Christian family. They also damaged two churches and provoked disturbances throughout the district. The security services immediately proceeded to the scene of the incidents and brought the security situation under control. The persons responsible for the acts of aggression were arrested and referred to the Department of Public Prosecutions. Legal measures were also taken against persons suspected of involvement in the incidents. Within the context of the endeavours to contain the situation, a religious meeting was held in the district under the chairmanship of the Minister of Awqaf (Religious Endowments) and with the participation of Muslim