Copts welcome Presidential announcement on Eastern Christmas Holiday

Egypt's Copts Wednesday welcomed President Hosni Mubarak's decision to make January 7, the Eastern Christmas, an official holiday for all Egyptians

The decision has made all Egyptians jubilant," said Bishop Morgos of Shubra Al-kheima in northern Cairo.

Muslims and Copts always converge on religious occasions without discrimination. They have recently celebrated the Eid al-Fitr (which marks the end of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan) They will soon celebrate the Christmas, he added.

The National society for National unity support reacted with similar praise. They expressed high appreciation for President Mubarak for his gesture

Meanwhile, participants at the Cairo-held Islamic - Christian conference sent a cable to President Hosni Mubarak Wednesday to thank him for declaring January 7, the Eastern Christmas, and Official holiday for all Egyptians.

The President's decision is an embodiment of national unity between the Muslims and Christians of Egypt, they said.