A/RES/52/142 Page 2 1. Welcomes the report of the Special Representative of the Commission on Human Rights on the situation of human rights in the Islamic Republic of Iran;4 2. Notes with interest that presidential elections were held in the Islamic Republic of Iran in 1997, and calls upon the Government to meet expectations for tangible progress concerning human rights and fundamental freedoms of all individuals; 3. Expresses its concern: (a) At the continuing violations of human rights in the Islamic Republic of Iran, in particular the large and increasing number of executions in the apparent absence of respect for internationally recognized safeguards, cases of torture and cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment, including stoning, amputation and public executions, the failure to meet international standards in the administration of justice and the absence of due process of law; (b) At the grave breaches of the human rights of the Baha'is, the discrimination against members of other religious minorities, including Christians, and the death sentences pronounced against Dhabihullah Mahrami, Musa Talibi and Ramadan-Ali Dhulfaqari, on the charge of apostasy, and against Bihnam Mithaqi and Kayvan Khalajabadi because of their beliefs; (c) At the lack of continuity in the cooperation of the Government with the mechanisms of the Commission on Human Rights; (d) At the continuing threats to the life of Salman Rushdie, as well as to individuals associated with his work, which appear to have the support of the Government of the Islamic Republic of Iran, and deeply regrets the increase announced in the bounty offered for the assassination of Mr. Rushdie by the 15 Khordad Foundation; (e) At violations of the right to peaceful assembly and restrictions on the freedoms of expression, thought, opinion and the press, as well as at the harassment and intimidation of writers and journalists seeking to exercise their freedom of expression, the sentencing of the writer Faraj Sarkuhi being only the most recent example of such unacceptable practices; (f) At the lack of full and equal enjoyment by women of human rights, while noting efforts to integrate women more fully into the political, economic and cultural life of the country; 4. Calls upon the Government of the Islamic Republic of Iran: (a) To resume its cooperation with the mechanisms of the Commission on Human Rights, in particular with the Special Representative to allow him to continue his inquiry at first hand and to continue his dialogue with the Government; (b) To abide by its freely undertaken obligations under the International Covenants on Human Rights and under other international instruments on human rights and to ensure that all individuals within its 4 A/52/472, annex. /...