A/56/253 Hamid Nasirizadeh, was sentenced to four years’ imprisonment and Mr. Manuchehr Khulusi has been released. In this regard, I would like to underline that my Government on various occasions offers amnesty to prisoners. Hence, it is hoped that the three persons behind bars would enjoy such an opportunity and be released in the near future.” 18. The Special Rapporteur would like to thank the Islamic Republic of Iran for this information and expresses the wish to see the accused persons released as soon as possible. Italy 19. Italy has replied as follows to a communication from the Special Rapporteur (para. 81): “I have the honour to confirm that Italy is making efforts to ensure full compliance with the resolution in the context of its commitment against any form of discrimination. I wish, in particular, to make it clear to you that Italy has never made its immigration policy subject to criteria of a religious or cultural nature. Within the limit of its possibilities, Italy is committed to accepting any one who applies, in accordance with Italian legislation, for permission to live and work in Italy.” 20. The Special Rapporteur commends the Italian Republic on its policy with respect to religion but would like to see more sustained attention paid to excesses, irrespective of who is responsible. Uzbekistan 21. In connection with a communication from the Special Rapporteur (para. 111), Uzbekistan has replied: “The Evangelical Christian Baptist Church itself applied to the Khokimiyat (Governing Body) of the Tashkent region for its registration in the year 2000. However, because the papers were incorrectly prepared and in the absence of some necessary documents required by internal legislation and regulations, it was recommended to prepare the papers and to apply to the Khokimiyat of Gazalkent. According to information available, the Evangelical Christian Baptist Church is currently preparing all the necessary papers that need to be transmitted to the Khokimiyat of Gazalkent for its most careful consideration. “The location that has been chosen by the Evangelical Christian Baptist Church for its summer camp does not meet the sanitation norms and other requirements for living accommodation. In that regard, the Khokimiyat of the Tashkent region has expressed its readiness to provide places in sanatoriums and summer camps both for members of the Evangelical Christian Baptist Church and for members of other confessions on a basis of equality. “There are people of over 100 nationalities residing in Uzbekistan. In that regard, the Government of Uzbekistan pays great attention to issues relating to religious and confessional activity. A number of legislative acts have been adopted to regulate and facilitate the activity of religious organizations. In that regard, in order to avoid any delay and for facilitation and speedy settling of 64