A/HRC/15/9 B. Interactive dialogue and responses by the State under review 23. During the interactive dialogue, 47 delegations made statements. A number of delegations expressed appreciation for Armenia’s national report and for the comprehensive presentation made by the delegation. A number of delegations also thanked Armenia for the written answers to their advance questions. Recommendations made during the dialogue are found in section II of the present report. 24. Azerbaijan inquired about measures to investigate the violations following the presidential elections and attacks against human rights defenders. Azerbaijan noted that the national report reflects incorrect remarks and referred to the letter of the President of the Council quoting that “The Human Rights Council, as a subsidiary body of the General Assembly, shall adhere to the official United Nations position as reflected in relevant General Assembly and Security Council resolutions. The Council therefore respects the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Azerbaijan within its internationally recognized borders”. Azerbaijan made recommendations. 25. Lebanon made reference to the brotherly relations that link Lebanese people to Armenian people. Lebanon noted that Armenia had acceded to more than 50 human rights treaties, cooperated closely with human rights bodies and included human rights principles in the Constitution and in laws. The delegation commended Armenia on efforts made to protect freedom of thought, conscience and religion, as well as opinion and expression; to improve access education and health; and to promote the rights of women and children. Lebanon made a recommendation. 26. Egypt commended the great attention paid to human rights education as well as the activities undertaken by the National Commission for the Protection of Children. It welcomed the adoption of the Concept Paper on Gender Equality for 2010-2014 and considered very important the development of a national referral mechanism for victims of trafficking. Egypt made recommendations. 27. Algeria welcomed progress made in the field of health care and highlighted the significant reduction in child mortality rates in 2009. It also welcomed efforts aimed at, inter alia, combating poverty and ensuring decent living conditions for the population. It asked about the national human rights programme as well as programmes for combating the trafficking in persons. It made recommendations. 28. The Russian Federation stated that Armenia shared many centuries of close ties with it and commended progress achieved in implementing international commitments in the sphere of human rights, including accession to international human rights instruments, reforms of national legislation and the judicial and law enforcement systems, and work carried out to improve living standards and the quality of life. The Russian Federation made recommendations. 29. The Libyan Arab Jamahiriya asked whether there was a specific strategy concerning family allocations, pensions and improving care for persons with disabilities. It also asked how children were cared for, other than in orphanages or through foster care. Recalling that the national report indicated that primary education was compulsory except under certain circumstances provided for by law, the delegation asked what those circumstances were. It made recommendations. 30. The Holy See asked about Armenia’s experiences with the Human Rights Defender. It congratulated the country on a considerable reduction in infant mortality and noted improvements with regard to street children. It expressed concern about the high maternal mortality rate and asked about initiatives to combat human trafficking. The Holy See made recommendations. 6