E/CN.4/1998/6 page 24 running their own schools, contributing to the increase every day of many clergymen and religions dignitaries. These facts explain in a concrete sense the right picture of freedom of religion and religious practice in the country. On the other hand, freedom of religion and religious practice is by no means in contradiction with the fact that those who abuse religious freedom in violation of the law and human society are held responsible and convicted in accordance with the legal process in each country”. The Special Rapporteur wishes to recall that his communications constitute allegations and not judgements, and that his allegations are based on more than one source of information. In order to strengthen cooperation with Viet Nam and to assess the religious situation on the spot, the Special Rapporteur reiterates his request to visit the country. 94. The Special Rapporteur sent reminders to States that had not replied to communications addressed to them in connection with the fifty-third session of the Commission on Human Rights: Albania, Algeria, Bolivia, Chad, Eritrea, Georgia, Greece, Israel, Lebanon, Malaysia, Maldives, Moldova, Nigeria, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Somalia, Tajikistan, United States of America, Viet Nam and Yemen. Replies were received from the following States: Bolivia, Malaysia and Saudi Arabia (see document A/52/477). 94. Late replies were received from the following States after the report to the fifty-third session of the Commission on Human Rights was completed but before reminders were sent: Burundi, China, Cyprus, Ethiopia, Greece, Iran, Japan, Nepal, Turkey and Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (see document A/52/477). 96. Correspondence unconnected with any of the Special Rapporteur's communications was sent purely for information purposes by Cyprus and Egypt. The Special Rapporteur wishes to express his thanks to them. In his view, correspondence of this kind enables him to monitor trends in the different States more effectively and to draw attention to contributions to the consolidation or development of freedom of religion and belief. VI. CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS 97. Pursuant to his mandate, the Special Rapporteur wishes to recall that, since the adoption of Commission on Human Rights resolution 1986/20 on 10 March 1986, he has been responsible, as an independent expert, for examining legislation, situations, incidents and measures inconsistent with the provisions of the Declaration on the Elimination of All Forms of Intolerance and of Discrimination Based on Religion or Belief, and for recommending remedial measures for such situations. 98. In order to achieve this, the Special Rapporteur, in conformity with the resolutions of the Commission on Human Rights and the General Assembly, endeavours to make effective use of the credible and reliable information submitted to him, with due consideration for the needs of discretion and independence. For this purpose, he draws on numerous sources of information, both governmental and non-governmental, of diverse geographical origin and provided by both organizations and individuals. The information is transmitted by post, fax or e-mail and through consultations at the Office of