112 STAT. 2802 PUBLIC LAW 105-292—OCT. 27, 1998 of such violations in countries with which the United States has diplomatic relations. (2) GUIDELINES FOR PRESIDENTIAL ACTIONS.—In addition to the guidelines under paragraph (1), the President, in determining whether to take a Presidential action under paragraphs (9) through (15) of section 405(a) (or commensurate action in substitution thereto), shall seek to minimize any adverse impact on— (A) the population of the country whose government is targeted by the Presidential action or actions; and (B) the humanitarian activities of United States and foreign nongovernmental organizations in such country. 22 USC 6442. SEC. 402. PRESIDENTIAL ACTIONS IN RESPONSE TO PARTICULARLY SEVERE VIOLATIONS OF RELIGIOUS FREEDOM. (a) RESPONSE TO PARTICULARLY SEVERE VIOLATIONS OF RELIGIOUS FREEDOM. — (1) UNITED STATES POLICY.—It shall be the policy of the United States— (A) to oppose particularly severe violations of religious freedom that are or have been engaged in or tolerated by the governments of foreign countries; and (B) to promote the right to freedom of religion in those countries through the actions described in subsection (c). (2) REQUIREMENT OF PRESIDENTIAL ACTION.— Whenever the President determines that the government of a foreign country has engaged in or tolerated particularly severe violations of religious freedom, the President shall oppose such violations and promote the right to religious freedom through one or more of the actions described in subsection (c). (b) DESIGNATIONS OF COUNTRIES OF PARTICULAR CONCERN FOR RELIGIOUS FREEDOM.— (1) ANNUAL REVIEW.— (A) IN GENERAL.—Not later thsm September 1 of each year, the President shall review the status of religious freedom in each foreign country to determine whether the government of that country has engaged in or tolerated particularly severe violations of religious freedom in that country during the preceding 12 months or since the date of the last review of that country under this subparagraph, whichever period is longer. The President shall designate each country the government of which has engaged in or tolerated violations described in this subparagraph as a country of particular concern for religious freedom. (B) BASIS OF REVIEW.— Each review conducted under subparagraph (A) shall be based upon information contained in the latest Country Reports on Human Rights Practices, the Annual Report, and on any other evidence available and shall take into account any findings or recommendations by the Commission with respect to the foreign country. (C) IMPLEMENTATION.— Any review under subparagraph (A) of a foreign country may take place singly or jointly with the review of one or more countries and may take place at any time prior to September 1 of the respective year.
�
