E/CN.4/1998/6 page 34 be exercised freely, including the freedom of expression, through the press and other media, publications, etc. This situation reflects the attitudes traditionally prevailing within society in Greece. 149. “We also hope that the Special Rapporteur will not make general judgements and categorization based on uncorroborated, partial or isolated reports. We hope that he will make his judgement based on the legal system in place, and the judicial and administrative procedures for the redress of a situation to which citizens may object. In any country, notwithstanding the fact that there may be occasional isolated untoward incidents or administrative acts, one should take into account the existing legal and administrative mechanisms ensuring the rule of law. Thus, we believe judgement should be made taking into consideration all the elements of the situation.” Statement made by the Permanent Representative of Greece at the fifty-third session of the Commission on Human Rights 150. “... As the Special Rapporteur has pointed out, the various aspects of religious freedom - freedom of belief, freedom of conscience, freedom of worship, freedom of practice, etc. - have a solid legal foundation in article 13 of the Greek Constitution adopted in 1975 and amended in 1986. Greece attaches the utmost importance to genuine compliance with its international commitments in this regard, including article 9 of the European Convention on Human Rights, the relevant provisions of the Treaty of Lausanne of 1923, and its political commitments within the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe. Moreover, it should be recalled that Greece co-sponsors the resolution adopted each year by the General Assembly on the elimination of all forms of religious intolerance. The Greek Parliament has also recently taken up consideration of the ratification of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, article 18 of which concerns freedom of conscience and religion. 151. “Regarding the legal framework for the protection of religious freedom in Greece, the Special Rapporteur submits that the concept of 'known religion' contained in article 13 of the Constitution 'would appear to contravene the 1981 Declaration' on religious intolerance. This concern appears unjustified, as the purpose of the concept is to draw a distinction between religious beliefs to which each person may have access and dogmas or sects whose practice is secret and which could prove dangerous, as demonstrated by the tragic events in Japan, Switzerland and elsewhere, which resulted in several deaths. It should be noted in this respect that all the relevant international instruments - including article 18 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights - provide for the possibility of limiting freedom of religion for reasons of public order. Furthermore, as the Special Rapporteur himself admits, all the religions to which he refers have long been recognized as 'known religions' by the highest authorities of the Greek State, including the Council of State. 152. “The Special Rapporteur focuses in particular on the Greek legislation (Act No. 1672/1939) which makes proselytism a criminal offence. In conjunction with article 13 of the Constitution, this Act applies to all religions. It prohibits proselytism which uses fraudulent means or