E/CN.4/2002/73/Add.1 page 29 economic and social, although it is hard to identify the main component. Taken together, the consultations held with non-governmental sources and some officials indicate that religion and belief are not a prominent or essential element in Argentina’s misfortunes. Concerns relate above all to the country’s economic difficulties and their consequences in terms of employment, social cohesion and, in particular, the integration of vulnerable groups, including immigrants and indigenous people. There is also a need to address the past dictatorship, which has left its mark on society and State institutions, and hence to remain constantly vigilant in strengthening the democratic process within institutions, but also taking into account the behaviour and mentalities of each individual. Yet, while Argentina’s economic, social and historical context must be borne in mind, special attention needs to be paid to the situation of communities of religion or belief, which represent a showcase of State policy in the field of human rights in general and freedom of religion or belief in particular. Religious communities 133. All the religious communities consulted by the Special Rapporteur, whether the predominant Catholic Church or religious minorities, agreed that the situation was satisfactory regarding freedom of religion and freedom to manifest religion, which can be fully exercised in Argentina, free of any State interference. 134. Minorities which are not originally from Argentina (including those belonging to the predominant Catholic religion), but which are totally integrated in the Argentine religious picture, such as the Armenian Apostolic, Maronite, Ukrainian Catholic, Russian Orthodox, Buddhist and Baha’i communities, stated that their identity, their specificities and their religious traditions could not only be preserved, but could flourish in Argentina. 135. Concerning the practice of religion, it was pointed out that changes of religion did not did not give raise to any difficulties, either among the elites (as witness the conversion of former President Menem, a Muslim of Syrian origin, to Catholicism) or in the rest of society (for example, conversions to Islam, Buddhism, etc.). 136. The dialogue between and within religions, while it should be deepened and broadened, especially where the most recent religious communities are concerned, is undeniably an achievement and a factor promoting coexistence among the various religious communities. With regard to relations within religions, the role of the Ecumenical Commission of Churches (grouping together the different Christian denominations within both the predominant Catholic religion and the non-Catholic minorities) can only be welcomed. Concerning relations between religions, the Special Rapporteur welcomes the declaration of non-aggression signed by representatives of the Christian and Muslim Arab community and the Jewish community under the auspices of INADI following the events of the intifada in the Middle East. Such an initiative can undoubtedly serve as an example at the international level in conflict management and prevention. 137. Lastly, the situation in the field of freedom of religion and freedom to manifest religion in the strict sense is generally positive.