E/CN.4/2002/73/Add.1 page 16 75. With regard to the incidents involving the Embassy of Israel and AMIA, the Catholic representatives stated that these had been interpreted as extraterritorial phenomena stemming from the importation into Argentina of Middle-East conflicts. The desecration of graves seemed to involve social rather than religious problems, namely, acts of vandalism committed by economically marginalized groups. Nevertheless, the existence of small, minority groups characterized by fanaticism, chauvinism and xenophobia was acknowledged. It was stated, however, that there were very few incidents involving such groups and that they did not threaten harmonious relations regarding freedom of religion and belief. 76. The consultations held by the Special Rapporteur with eastern churches under the authority of the Vatican are reported below. 77. A representative of the Maronite Church said that the Maronite community (estimated at 700,000) enjoyed a satisfactory situation in terms of freedom of religion. The group enjoyed unfettered freedom, as indicated by the existence of Maronite authorities responsible for religious expression, education and health. The community received financial support from the State for primary and secondary schools. The Maronite community felt able to maintain its identity and religious traditions. 78. A representative of the Ukrainian Catholic Church stated that the situation of the community (with an estimated membership of 220,000) in terms of freedom of religion and worship was satisfactory. The Ukrainian Catholic Church had 23 places of worship, primary and secondary schools and health centres. The representative noted the financial support received from the State for education, but said that his Church had too few financial resources to meet the growing needs of its community, particularly with the arrival in Argentina in recent years of Ukrainian immigrants (some 8,000 since 1991). The representative expressed concern at the inadequate number of Church and lay officials in comparison with the tasks facing the Church. He concluded that the Ukrainian Catholic community could continue to develop and maintain its religious traditions. B. Situation of minorities of religion and belief 1. Christian minorities 79. Representatives of Protestant Churches (Adventists, Anglican, Baptist, Lutheran, Methodist and Waldensian) stated that freedom of religion and worship was enjoyed in Argentina to a high degree, but that there was a problem of equality. 80. The following problems were cited: The primacy of Catholic symbols such as crucifixes, representations of the Virgin Mary and saints in official establishments, as well as official certificates containing Catholic phraseology, indicating the greater degree of importance accorded to Catholicism;