Page:United States Statutes at Large Volume 112 Part 5.djvu/43

 PUBLIC LAW 105-292—OCT. 27, 1998 112 STAT. 2801 oppose such violations and promote the right to freedom of religion in that country through the actions described in subsection (b). (2) BASIS OF ACTIONS.— Each action taken under paragraph (1)(B) shall be based upon information regarding violations of religious freedom, as described in the latest Country Reports on Human Rights Practices, the Annual Report and Executive Summary, and on any other evidence available, and shall take into account any findings or recommendations by the Commission with respect to the foreign country. (b) PRESIDENTIAL ACTIONS. — (1) IN GENERAL.— Subject to paragraphs (2) and (3), the President, in consultation with the Secretary of State, the Ambassador at Large, the Special Adviser, and the Commission, shall, as expeditiously as practicable in response to the violations described in subsection (a) by the government of a foreign country— (A) take one or more of the actions described in paragraphs (1) through (15) of section 405(a) (or commensurate action in substitution thereto) with respect to such country; or (B) negotiate and enter into a binding agreement with the government of such country, as described in section 405(c). (2) DEADLINE FOR ACTIONS.—Not later than September 1 of each year, the President shall take action under any of paragraphs (1) through (15) of section 405(a) (or commensurate action in substitution thereto) with respect to each foreign country the government of which has engaged in or tolerated violations of religious freedom at any time since September 1 of the preceding year, except that in the case of action under any of paragraphs (9) through (15) of section 405(a) (or commensurate action in substitution thereto)— (A) the action may only be taken after the requirements of sections 403 and 404 have been satisfied; and (B) the September 1 limitation shall not apply. (3) AUTHORITY FOR DELAY OF PRESIDENTIAL ACTIONS. —The President may delay action under paragraph (2) described in any of paragraphs (9) through (15) of section 405(a) (or commensurate action in substitution thereto) if he determines and certifies to Congress that a single, additional period of time, not to exceed 90 days, is necessary pursuant to the same provisions applying to countries of particular concern for religious freedom under section 402(c)(3). (c) IMPLEMENTATION.— (1) IN GENERAL.—In carrying out subsection (b), the President shall— (A) take the action or actions that most appropriately respond to the nature and severity of the violations of religious freedom; (B) seek to the fullest extent possible to target action as narrowly as practicable with respect to the agency or instrumentality of the foreign government, or specific officials thereof, that are responsible for such violations; and (C) when appropriate, make every reasonable effort to conclude a binding agreement concerning the cessation

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