E/CN.4/2000/65 page 34 has been the latter’s policy, within the framework of the Conference on Security and Cooperation in Europe (CSCE), to seek the safeguard of freedom of religion, extended to all religions. The view is also held that any concessions obtained from a State in religious matters, regardless of the regime concerned, will subsequently be reflected in other rights. The information given below covers States with or without diplomatic relations with the Vatican. 130. It was said that generally speaking, with a few exceptions, Muslim States or States with a chiefly Muslim population are very open in their dealings with the Holy See. In some cases, however, a State itself may maintain satisfactory relations with the Holy See, which is considered more as a diplomatic partner, while its Catholic community is viewed with suspicion by the authorities. In the case of Iraq in particular, the local Catholic community was said to be the largest in the Middle East and it was found that Christians experienced the least survival problems there. It was confirmed that the Pope would be visiting Iraq as part of year 2000 jubilee celebrations. It now appears, however, at the time this report is being finalized, that the visit may be postponed or even cancelled altogether. 131. Concerning Saudi Arabia, it was pointed out that a mosque has been built in Rome, with the full agreement of the Holy See, and that the question now arises of reciprocity by Saudi Arabia with regard to the religious needs of the large Christian community residing in that country. In relations with Pakistan, the problem was raised of local legislation on blasphemy affecting minorities, especially Christians. In the case of Sudan, there are reportedly many difficulties affecting Christians, such as the destruction of places of worship and Christian villages, or arrests of religious persons. 132. With regard to the States of Eastern Europe and of the CIS, it was explained that in the last 10 years the Vatican has concluded many agreements (e.g. with Croatia, Hungary and Kazakhstan) or is preparing to do so (e.g. with Kyrgyzstan) on specific issues, such as cooperation in schooling, social and health matters. 133. Where Asia is concerned, it was stated that the Pope would be visiting India in November 1999 and possibly, subject to the agreement of the authorities of that country, Viet Nam (the establishment of diplomatic relations might be discussed once certain questions have been clarified, especially concerning the free appointment of bishops, free access to seminaries and the nomination of seminarists at the end of their studies). Despite the spirit of tolerance inherent in Asian religions and cultures, it has been found that the situation may be delicate in practice, owing to very closely related political and religious attitudes, for instance through slogans associating citizenship exclusively with Buddhism and Hinduism. The question of China was said to be political rather than ideological, chiefly related to the appointment of bishops by the Vatican in Taiwan. 134. With regard to the recovery of property confiscated from the Vatican in some States under earlier regimes, it was explained that the Vatican has decided to settle such matters on a case-by-case basis. In a number of countries, the Vatican has given up its claims. In others, such as Croatia and Hungary and soon Slovakia, restitution agreements have been successful. Some lesser problems may arise, however, especially in Russia and Albania. It was pointed out that the Vatican’s requests for return of property were based on pastoral considerations, namely service to the community.