A/HRC/13/56 314. The United States of America noted favourably the establishment of the directory of professional standards, and stated it was an important step for the training of police on human rights, racism and diversity. It encouraged Cyprus to ensure application of these professional standards as a mechanism for promoting accountability among the security forces. It considered that the Independent Authority for the Investigation of Allegations against the Police was a positive step for combating police abuses, and encouraged the dissemination of information on these mechanisms to promote professionalism. It welcomed the steps taken to tackle issues of gender inequality and domestic violence, and applauded the establishment of the women’s multicultural centre, as well as the increased support given to the national machinery for women’s rights. It looked forward to further dialogue on the issue of domestic violence and curbing the reported increase. It would appreciate Cyprus’s continued attention to the recommendations concerning discrimination, particularly against Turkish Cypriots living in Government-controlled areas, Roma and other ethnic minorities, as well as violence and intolerance directed at lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender individuals. 315. Armenia stated that Cyprus deserved sincere appreciation for its participation in the universal periodic review in good faith, and its sincere desire to discuss its human rights record without politicization, despite the obstacles. This reflected a genuine commitment to international cooperation and the protection of human rights in Cyprus and elsewhere. Armenia also stressed that the universal periodic review clearly demonstrated the international community’s acknowledgement of the accomplishments of Cyprus in the area of human rights. Along with similar recognition at the regional level, it might further enable Cyprus to meet its new commitments. Armenia commended Cyprus for accepting an overwhelming number of recommendations. It was particularly pleased to note that the recommendations regarding further promotion of political representation of members of traditional religious groups and the promotion of their identity and culture had received the full attention and agreement of the Government. 316. The Russian Federation took note of the constructive approach taken by Cyprus with regard to most recommendations, its expressed readiness to further the protection of human rights without any discrimination and its intention to implement universal human rights standards. This approach confirmed the position of Cyprus as a responsible State Member of the United Nations, committed to its international human rights obligations. It noted with satisfaction the positive response with regard to strengthening democratic procedures and institutions and harmonizing legislation and practice with universal human rights standards. The Russian Federation noted that the universal periodic review process was an intergovernmental mechanism intended to develop cooperation, with the full participation of the State under review, and counted upon continuing constructive interaction with Cyprus in the Council. The settlement of problems, particularly humanitarian problems, should be in conformity with the relevant resolutions of the United Nations, first of all of the Security Council, while bearing in mind the communities of Cyprus. 317. Algeria noted the observations and recommendations it had made in relation to the improvement of wage differences between men and women; the promotion of the rights of migrant workers and of migrants in an irregular situation, to the situation of refugees and asylum-seekers as well as to children’s rights; and to the prevention of discrimination, in particular against minorities and foreigners, and in the area of education. Although Algeria expressed full appreciation to Cyprus for accepting most of the recommendations, it regretted the fact that the recommendations on accession to the International Convention on the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families and on the continuation of efforts to promote and guarantee freedom of movement had not been accepted. It hoped that the intercommunity situation in Cyprus would make it possible for the authorities to respect the principle of freedom of movement in the near future. The absence of Cyprus 125