Documentation currently available to the DIRB does not make any reference to the presence of the above-mentioned religious organization in Egypt. However, the attached articles suggest that the Ansar al-Sunna is based in the Sudan. A Mideast Mirror article states that the Ansar al-Sunna was founded in 1956 and has generally maintained good relations with the Moslem Brotherhood in Sudan (11 Feb. 1994). This organization, along with the conservative Salafi groups, disagrees with the long-established Sufi Moslem tradition (ibid.; ibid. 10 Feb. 1994). According to a private consultant who specializes on the relationships between religion and the state in the Middle-East, the Ansar al-Sunna does not exist as an organization in Egypt (25 Jul. 1994). For further information on this Moslem movement and on religious movements in Egypt and Sudan, please refer to the attached documents.

This response was prepared after researching publicly accessible information currently available to the DIRB within time constraints. This response is not, and does not purport to be, conclusive as to the merit of any particular claim to refugee status or asylum.

Mideast Mirror [London]. 11 February 1994. "The Sudanese Whodunit." (NEXIS)

. 10 February 1994. 9 February 1994. "Khartoum Attacks: Fanaticism or 'Foreign Conspiracy'?" (NEXIS)

Private consultant who specializes on the relationships between religion and the state in the Middle-East.

The Associated Press (AP). 5 February 1994. Mohamed Osman. "Capital Tense After Attacks Kill 13 Mosque Worshipers, Two Police." (NEXIS)

Harris, Ian et al. Contemporary Religions: A World Guide. 1992. Harlow, Essex: Longman Group UK Ltd, pp. 409-10, 468-69.

Islam and Islamic Groups. 1992. Edited by Farzana Shaikh. Harlow, Essex: Longman Group UK Ltd, pp. 66-71.

Middle East Intelligence Report [London]. "'Sources' on Reasons Behind Attack on Mosque." (NEXIS)

Mideast Mirror [London]. 11 February 1994. "The Sudanese Whodunit." (NEXIS)

. 10 February 1994. 9 February 1994. "Khartoum Attacks: Fanaticism or 'Foreign Conspiracy'?" (NEXIS)

. 8 February 1994. "Sudan's Frankenstein." (NEXIS)