E/CN.4/1998/6 page 33 142. “Doubtless, the Special Rapporteur is aware of the fact that the minority in Thrace has at its disposal 300 mosques and 240 minority schools. During the last 10-year period, 2 new mosques have been built and 35 mosques have been repaired. However, as in all countries, the stipulations of the laws and regulations for city planning and building and the specifications of permits for each construction have to be observed by all who undertake such building and repairs, including the members of a minority. Anyone who does not obey the law may suffer the consequences as determined by the courts. 143. “The Greek State spares no effort to upgrade the educational level of the Greek Muslim minority. It is continuously promoting important improvements at all levels of education. These efforts would be more effective if there were no adverse interventions from abroad for reasons unrelated to education. In the spirit of these reforms, special arrangements have recently been adopted by the Ministry of Education, providing better access for the Muslim minority to institutions of higher education through special entrance examinations. 144. “Greece has always complied with the Treaty of Lausanne and fully respects the religious freedom of the Muslims of Thrace, to a degree which makes the comment 'that the Special Rapporteur believes it is necessary for the Greek authorities to comply fully and in good faith with the Treaty of Lausanne and with the country's international undertakings' unfounded and unrelated to the real situation. 145. “It must be pointed out that the status of Muftis and of the Muslim religious institutions is very high and is not subjected to treatment that could cause offence to them. The Greek Government protects the practice of the Muslim religion according to the Muslim tradition and avoiding the introduction of systems or practices which are not part of this tradition. Thus, Muslims have been spared the effect of religious intolerance or other ideologies. It is well known that the Greek authorities do not interfere in the proper exercise of the religious duties of the Greek Muslim minority in Thrace. 146. “However, we hope that the Special Rapporteur will not be influenced by propaganda emanating from a country that has, for obvious reasons, refused to invite him. 147. “In concluding this document, my authorities believe that a thorough and detailed, as well as substantive, analysis is hereby forwarded to answer the points raised by the Special Rapporteur's questionnaire. The Greek Government accordingly believes that it has completed as far as it is concerned the obligations arising in connection with the Special Rapporteur's mandate. Of course, if new elements - such as the recent legislation on conscientious objectors - were to appear, the Special Rapporteur would be informed in due course. 148. “The Hellenic Republic is and will remain devoted to human rights protection. Human rights are guaranteed by the Constitution and the judicial system of Greece that defends and protects human liberties, religious freedom and tolerance, at the same time maintaining exemplary democratic institutions. Furthermore, the freedoms guaranteed by law can