E/CN.4/1999/58/Add.2 page 11 (iii) The curriculum vitae: a document containing information on “past activities and contributions to the Revolution” and political opinions “before and after the Revolution” of the relatives and acquaintances of any member of the clergy who wishes to be ordained must be drawn up and sent to the Office of Religious Affairs. 36. Thus, Vietnamese policy on religious matters generally reflects, on the one hand, a gradual improvement in religious freedom, but in very limited areas subject to restrictions and, on the other, the maintenance of restrictions and checks by authorities anxious to prevent the establishment of organizations capable of questioning their authority and influence. The extent to which this policy is applied varies according to the willingness or reluctance of the local authorities to apply it and according to the religious community involved (see chap. III - Situation of the religious communities). 37. The amnesties of 2 September 1998 and 23 to 25 October 1998, which led to the release of 5,219 and 2,630 prisoners, respectively, including members of the EBUV and Catholic clergy, were considered to be signs of progress. Although asked to do so by the Special Rapporteur, the representatives of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs did not transmit the list of religious prisoners released, stating that the competent authorities had not provided the Ministry with that information. B. Information from the Vietnamese authorities 38. According to the Vietnamese authorities, freedom of religion and belief is guaranteed and respected in Viet Nam. It is possible to practise religious activities, provided that they are in conformity with the law. The administration is responsible not only for ensuring that religious activities are in conformity with the legislation, but also for ensuring that religions and beliefs are respected. The authorities explained that they respected religion (defined by the Office of Religious Affairs as mysteries unexplained by science), but combated the superstitions rejected by modern science and by religious leaders. They also stressed that arrests of clergy were not based on religious grounds, but, on the contrary, on the violation of the law committed by the individuals concerned. 39. The Deputy Minister of Public Safety explained that his mandate was to guarantee citizens safe and peaceful lives, including safety for their religious activities, to combat reactionary forces and to re-educate the guilty to help them become good citizens. He emphasized that the police guaranteed the freedom of citizens and dismissed any information attesting to police domination over the people as false propaganda. He stated that clergy were free to move about to the extent authorized by the local authorities. In reply to the Special Rapporteur’s questions about factors undermining freedom of religion, he said that freedom of religion was guaranteed. 40. The Institute of Research into Religion stated that the current trend in Viet Nam was towards the expansion of religions.