E/CN.4/2003/24 page 39 3. Observations of the Special Rapporteur 67. The Special Rapporteur thanks the Greek authorities for their replies. He recommends that the police forces continue to avoid resorting to the undue use of force when making arrests. He also suggests that, whenever possible, mediation should be used to solve the problems arising from the proximity of the Roma and other Greek populations. The Government could initiate a dialogue with the representative of the Roma community on ways in which the Roma can establish social harmony with their compatriots E. Guyana 1. Communication dated 31 October 2002 68. It has been reported that the social and political life in Guyana is marked by constant ethnic tensions between the Indo-Guyanese and the Afro-Guyanese populations. 69. There is a perception in the Afro-Guyanese community that the Indo-Guyanese community has benefited financially and politically in the country at their expense. Furthermore, the lack of confidence between the two communities is allegedly attributed to the constant fear and palpable threat of violent crimes and racially motivated police brutality. Violent crime, including harassment, beating and robbery of Indo-Guyanese, are perpetrated predominantly by members of the Afro-Guyanese population and in many cases also originate from persistent opposition and street protests. The Afro-Guyanese population alleges widespread discrimination against them in politics, education, employment and housing and extrajudicial killings by the police. 70. The racialization of national politics is allegedly translated into the political sphere and the division of the electorate along racial lines, with Afro-Guyanese giving their allegiance mostly to the Congress/Reform (PNC/R) and Indo-Guyanese supporting mainly the People’s Progressive party/Civic and the People’s National (PPP/C). 71. In April 2001, after his election, President Bharrat Jagdeo, who is the leader of PNC/R, met Mr. Desmond Hoyte the leader of the People’s National Congress/Reform (PNC/R) and they committed themselves to working to reduce ethnic tension and social unrest. However, these commitments failed to bear any fruit, as the outbreak of violent crime continued, killing several people, including eight policemen. 72. The most recent manifestation of this racial cleavage occurred on 3 July 2002, when several demonstrators, including supporters of PNC/R, broke through the gates of the Presidential complex, overturned and burned several cars, and torched and looted nearby stores. Police shot and wounded about 8 of the protesters and arrested 17, including 2 of the alleged leaders. The President’s Office blamed the attack on the opposition party, describing it as an attempt to assassinate the President and topple the Government.