E/CN.4/1998/6 page 20 participate in normal religious activities and the legitimate rights of the followers of a religion. Nevertheless, the law prohibits anyone from using religion to engage in any activities that disturb the social order or jeopardize State security. Chadrel Rimpoche and the two other individuals were given prison sentences for having plotted against national unity and divulged State secrets, which had nothing to do with their religious beliefs. It was because State secrets were involved that the trial of Chadrel Rimpoche and Champa Chung was not public.” 77. The Russian Federation informed the Special Rapporteur that a detailed reply on the question of the compatibility of the “Freedom of Conscience and Religious Associations Act” with international human rights standards would be transmitted when the Act had been adopted. As the Act was finally adopted in September 1997, a reply is expected from the authorities of the Russian Federation. 78. Greece explained, in response to a communication summarized under the fifth category of violations, that construction work on the mosque in the village of Kimmeria (Xanthi) had been suspended because “the extended basement as well as the minaret of the mosque were not included in the approved construction licence by the competent authorities. The Greek State enforced the law by taking the necessary steps to stop arbitrary construction work. However, after the issue of a new revised licence, the construction work could start again in conformity with the law ... Yet until today, no application for such a revised construction licence has been submitted to the relevant authorities for approval by those interested in continuing the building”. 79. Iraq emphasized its desire to cooperate with United Nations bodies and mechanisms concerned with human rights and explained that its legislation guaranteeing freedom of religion and belief was consistent with relevant international law. It stated that “the political leadership of Iraq is diligently pursuing a clear and firm policy based on a steadfast position from the cultural and religious heritage of the Iraqi people, all sections and minorities of which have always coexisted in a harmonious and fraternal manner, in regard to the effective and objective realization of public freedoms and human rights. The Iraqi authorities refuted the allegations of attacks by Republican Guards on pilgrims travelling to the holy town of Karbala' and stressed that there were no restrictions on visits to holy places. 80. Israel, replying to a communication on a draft law banning religious conversion, stated that since the sources of information had not been identified, the allegations were vague and the law in question was only a draft, the request by the Special Rapporteur was neither appropriate nor necessary. The Special Rapporteur informed the Permanent Mission of Israel to the United Nations Office at Geneva that his sources of information always remained confidential and that any allegation was based on more than one source. He invited Israel to cooperate more fully with a view to better protecting religious freedom on the basis of internationally recognized instruments and in conformity with the rules governing the special procedures. 81. The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia set out in detail its legislative and institutional provisions guaranteeing freedom of religion,