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US Re-designates 10 Nations for Violations of Religious Freedom

by VOA News

   The U.S. State Department re-designated 10 countries, including
   Myanmar, China, Iran and North Korea, as "countries of particular
   concern" under the International Religious Freedom Act for having
   engaged in or tolerated violations of religious freedom.

   Eritrea, Sudan, Saudi Arabia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan
   also were added to the list, the State Department said.

   It said Pakistan was added to a "Special Watch List" for severe
   violations of religious freedom.

   "The protection of religious freedom is vital to peace, stability, and
   prosperity. These designations are aimed at improving the respect for
   religious freedom in these countries," a State Department statement
   said. "We recognize that several designated countries are working to
   improve their respect for religious freedom; we welcome these
   initiatives and look forward to continued dialogue."
   [State Department correspondent Nike Ching contributed to this report]