19/03/2012 (Agence Europe) - Barroso and Ashton send their condolences to the Coptic community. President of the European Commission José Manuel Barroso and EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs Catherine Ashton sent their condolences on Sunday 18 March to the Coptic community after the death of the patriarch of the Coptic Orthodox Church of Alexandria, Shenouda III. Pope Shenouda was “a respected and visionary leader (…) who advocated tolerance, religious dialogue and harmony” Ashton said. “The best tribute Egypt could pay to his memory would be to fully protect these rights and preserve national unity”, added Barroso. Ashton called on Egypt to follow Pope Shenouda's commitment to national unity, reconciliation and freedom of belief. Shenouda III, who led the Coptic Orthodox Church for 30 years, died on Saturday 17 March, aged 88. (CG/transl.rt)