E/CN.4/1997/91 page 8 (Armenia, China, Cyprus, Ethiopia, Georgia, Lao People's Democratic Republic, Malaysia, Morocco, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Viet Nam) and even murders (Burundi, Mexico, Pakistan, Somalia, Tajikistan, Yemen). Such violations also appear in the category of religious extremism. 25. With regard to States' replies to communications other than urgent appeals, it should be pointed out that the deadline for replies had not expired, by the time of writing of this report, for 12 States: Afghanistan, Algeria, Bangladesh, Burundi, Ethiopia, Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, Greece, Lebanon, Nigeria, Pakistan, Turkey and the United States of America. However, Afghanistan very promptly forwarded a reply to the allegations submitted to it. The rapidity with which the Afghan authorities responded deserves to be emphasized. 26. Of the 34 States for which the deadline has expired (Albania, Armenia, Belarus, Bhutan, Bolivia, Brunei Darussalam, Bulgaria, Chad, China, Croatia, Cyprus, Eritrea, Georgia, Indonesia, Israel, Japan, Kuwait, Lao People's Democratc Republic, Malaysia, Maldives, Mexico, Moldova, Morocco, Nepal, Romania, Russian Federation, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Somalia, Tajikistan, Ukraine, United Kingdom, Viet Nam, Yemen), 13 States have replied (Armenia, Brunei Darussalam, Bulgaria, Croatia, Indonesia, Kuwait, Lao People's Democratic Republic, Mexico, Morocco, Romania, Russian Federation, Ukraine, United Kingdom). 27. Concerning the content of the replies, Afghanistan stated that the Taliban are the most retrograde, obscurantist and backward forms ever known not only in Afghanistan but in the region. It was added that, after the taking of Kabul by the Taliban, the High Council of the Islamic State of Afghanistan had issued a statement reaffirming its commitment to the principles of democracy and respect for human rights. 28. Armenia outlined its legislation guaranteeing religious freedom and its manifestations. Concerning acts of religious intolerance against non-apostolic religious communities, it was stated that measures sanctioning them had restored religious stability. 29. Brunei Darussalam emphasized its commitment to peace and harmony and explained that restrictions in the religious field, regardless of the religion in question, were designed to maintain peace, order and harmony. It was indicated that non-Muslims could practise their religion and had sufficient places of worship. 30. Bulgaria made detailed reference to its legislation and policy concerning religious freedom. Particular emphasis was placed on the conformity of national legislation with international human rights law. Concerning the registration of religious communities, it was pointed out that 30 denominations and some 70 religious communities and foundations had been registered as at 30 August 1996, whereas only 4 denominations and no foundation had taken advantage of the registration procedure in 1989. Bulgaria reported 22 communities and foundations as not having obtained approval to register, including the Jehovah's Witnesses inasmuch as the prohibition of blood transfusion represents a danger to health and the refusal to swear allegiance to the national flag infringes national security and the