E/CN.4/1993/62 page 119 83. The Special Rapporteur has also given attention to the very serious situation which has developed in the territory of the former Yugoslavia. Although the conflict in the former Yugoslavia is not a religious one but opposes different national and ethnic groups, the religious and cultural monuments and sites of all three principally represented religions - Muslim, Christian Orthodox and Christian Catholic - have suffered serious damage and destruction by extremist forces. Such wanton destruction appears to be part of the policy of certain groups aimed at eradicating the religious and cultural base of ethnic communities living in a given area in order to encourage their departure and prevent their eventual return. It should be pointed out that Muslims have suffered most as a result of such practices. The leaders of all three religious communities should intensify joint efforts and be more assertive in trying to stimulate mutual tolerance. 84. Despite the persistence and emerging of the negative trends mentioned above, the Special Rapporteur was pleased to note the improvement in relations between members of different religions in a number of countries. The positive developments in the sphere of religious freedom which have taken place in recent years in the countries of Eastern Europe have continued to be affirmed. The Special Rapporteur was particularly satisfied to note the holding of an international seminar on the freedom of conscience which was organized by the Government of Albania as well as a seminar on the same subject organized by the Council of Europe at the University of Leiden. Although the most recent developments seem to show a reversal of the trend, he was also gratified to note the improvement in the situation of the Jewish community in the Syrian Arab Republic, the members of which are now allowed to travel freely. 85. The Special Rapporteur is also pleased to note the efforts aimed at establishing a dialogue and creating greater understanding between different faiths such as those between the Catholic and Jewish communities in Spain and the recent establishment of diplomatic relations between the Holy See and Israel. He is also gratified by the recent efforts made by the heads of the different denominations and faiths represented in the territory of the former Yugoslavia to help find a joint solution to the ongoing conflict. The Special Rapporteur expresses the hope that similar efforts will continue to be made throughout the world, at a time of transition for numerous societies. 86. The Special Rapporteur has taken due note of Commission resolution 1992/59 requesting all representatives of United Nations human rights bodies to continue to take urgent steps, in conformity with their mandates, to prevent acts of intimidation or reprisal against those who cooperate or seek to cooperate with United Nations human rights bodies. During the period under review, however, no specific incidents or cases falling within the purview of resolution 1992/59 were reported to the Special Rapporteur. 87. On the basis of the foregoing observations, the Special Rapporteur remains convinced that the maintenance of inter-faith dialogue is of utmost importance in overcoming sectarian and intransigent attitudes and enhancing religious tolerance the world over. The prerequisite for the establishment of a favourable climate which would be conducive to such a dialogue and understanding remains the rule of law and the functioning of democratic institutions. The respect of the rights and freedoms enshrined in the 1981 Declaration on the Elimination of All Forms of Intolerance and of