A/51/542 English Page 4 invitation of the Government of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan (E/CN.4/1996/95/Add.1). In December 1995, he travelled to the Islamic Republic of Iran at the invitation of the Iranian Government (E/CN.4/1996/95/Add.2). 10. In June 1996, the Special Rapporteur visited Greece at the invitation of the Greek Government, and in September 1996, he visited the Sudan at the invitation of the Sudanese Government and pursuant to General Assembly resolution 50/197 of 22 December 1995 and Commission on Human Rights resolution 1996/73 of 23 April 1996. 11. In December 1996, the Special Rapporteur expects to make a visit to India which has been postponed several times by the Indian authorities for scheduling reasons. 12. Lastly, the Special Rapporteur will travel to Australia in January 1997 at the invitation of the Australian Government and pursuant to paragraphs 14 and 15 of General Assembly resolution 50/183 1/ and Commission on Human Rights resolution 1996/73. 13. The Special Rapporteur considers it essential to make visits, firstly, to gather views and observations on any allegations of incidents and governmental action inconsistent with the provisions of the 1981 Declaration and, where appropriate, recommend remedial measures and, secondly, to analyse and publicize the positive experiences and initiatives of States. 14. In 1995, the Special Rapporteur expressed the desire to visit Viet Nam and Turkey. The Vietnamese authorities replied by letter that they were considering the Special Rapporteur’s request, and their final response is awaited. In the case of Turkey, the Special Rapporteur has unfortunately received no written reply to his letters, although there have been informal consultations with the responsible authorities this year. 15. In 1996, the Special Rapporteur expressed the desire to visit Germany. The German authorities responded positively and proposed that the Special Rapporteur come in December 1996 or January 1997. For scheduling reasons, the Special Rapporteur has requested that this visit be postponed until after April 1997. 16. Requests for visits were also sent to the Governments of Indonesia and Mauritius. The Special Rapporteur has yet to receive a response. 17. The Special Rapporteur strongly encourages all States to invite him to visit their countries in order to strengthen understanding and mutual cooperation, in the interest of promoting tolerance and eliminating discrimination based on religion or belief. 18. Following up past visits is another important element in the fulfilment of his mandate. 19. Accordingly, in 1996, the Special Rapporteur set in motion procedures for following up his visits to China, Pakistan and the Islamic Republic of Iran. Letters were sent to their respective Permanent Missions asking for comments and for any information on measures taken or envisaged by the authorities concerned /...