E/CN.4/1992/52 page 27 It is rather unfortunate that some immigration authorities and human rights activists have accepted without question hideous allegations of persecution by economic refugees fleeing from their responsibilities in developing countries to greener pastures in developed industrialized countries. It may be pointed out that not until developing countries have attained some higher level of development and industrialized countries have liberalized their immigration restrictions to nationals from developing countries, such lies and allegations would continue to be made." 42. In a communication sent on 25 April 1991 addressed to the Government of Greece, the following information was transmitted by the Special Rapporteur: "According to the information received, a decree concerning a new procedure for the selection of Muftis has been issued on 24 December 1990. It has been alleged that the decree introduces interference in the determination of religious representatives by the Muslim community. It has been asserted in particular that it is the Prefect who establishes the commission examining the candidates and has the right to express his own opinion concerning their suitability. It has been further reported that the Minister of National Education and Religious Affairs has the final choice with regard to the candidate, which would make it an appointment rather than an election by the religious community itself. It has also been reported that the Mufti, who would be required to take a public service oath in the presence of the Prefect, could be dismissed by the Prefect who is allegedly also empowered to appoint a replacement." 43. On 31 May 1991, the Permanent Mission of Greece to the United Nations Office at Geneva addressed a reply to the Special Rapporteur regarding the above-mentioned allegations, which stated the following: "The Legislative Act regarding Muslim Religious Ministers in Thrace provides as follows: A. An enlarged committee is convened by the official, superior to the Prefect, namely the competent Regional Secretary-General. This committee chaired by the Prefect consists of Greek Muslim clergy and prominent Greek Muslim citizens. They propose to the Minister of Education and Religious Affairs a list of qualified persons (holders of a university degree of high Islamic School, national or foreign, or holders of itzazetname diploma, or persons having served as imam for at least ten years and who distinguished themselves for their morality and theological proficiency). From among them, the Minister chooses on the basis of personal qualification of each candidate. The Mufti is finally appointed by presidential decree issued upon proposal of the Minister of Education. In this connection it should be recalled that the appointment by the State of a head of clergy is common practice in countries where Islam constitutes the predominant religion (e.g. Egypt, Tunisia, Morocco, Jordan, Turkey, etc.).