A/HRC/12/50 504. It was emphasized that the development of the press and the Internet in Viet Nam was clear evidence of the fact that the freedoms of the press, expression and the Internet were well protected. Freedom of religion was also protected, resulting in the growth of religions in all aspects. Special treatment was provided to ethnic minorities to assist them in preserving their culture and way of life. These policies had been crucial in forging unity among all religions and ethnicities in Viet Nam. 505. The Deputy Minister reaffirmed that the ultimate goal, also a manifestation of efforts to promote human rights in Viet Nam, was to develop a prosperous people, strong country and a just, democratic and advanced society. The promotion of democracy and human rights was both the goal and the driving force of the reform process. Viet Nam had continued to strengthen the legal framework to better protect and promote human rights. The civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights of the people were being better ensured. Viet Nam believed that, in this common cause, each nation had its own political, historical, social, cultural, religious and ethnic particularities. In each case, the State bears the primary responsibility to do what is needed for the interests of the nation and the people. Therefore, any State would need to take necessary measures to maintain social and political stability for development, and in this connection, any activity that violates the law and threatens this fundamental interest of the nation should be punished in accordance with the law. 506. Viet Nam believed that the universal periodic review mechanism would continue to uphold the principles of cooperation and dialogue on the basis of equality and respect for national sovereignty in order to truly contribute to the promotion and protection of human rights in each and every nation. For its part, Viet Nam would develop a plan of action to implement effectively the universal periodic review recommendations and would stand ready to discuss and share experience with all countries and international organizations to better ensure human rights in Viet Nam and the world. 507. Finally, the delegation thanked countries for their support and assistance to Viet Nam in its efforts to protect and promote human rights, the Working Group troika and the secretariat for the active technical assistance. Uruguay 508. The review of Uruguay was held on 11 May 2009 in conformity with all the relevant provisions contained in Council resolution 5/1, and was based on the national report submitted by Uruguay in accordance with the annex to Council resolution 5/1, paragraph 15 (a) (A/HRC/WG.6/5/URY/1); the compilation prepared by OHCHR in accordance with paragraph 15 (b) (A/HRC/WG.6/5/URY/2); and the summary prepared by OHCHR in accordance with paragraph 15 (c) (A/HRC/WG.6/5/URY/3). 509. At its 18th meeting, on 24 September 2009, the Council considered and adopted the outcome of the review of Uruguay (see section C below). 510. The outcome of the review of Uruguay comprises the report of the Working Group on the Universal Periodic Review (A/HRC/12/12), the views of Uruguay concerning the recommendations and/or conclusions, its voluntary commitments and replies presented before the adoption of the outcome by the plenary to questions or issues that were not sufficiently addressed during the interactive dialogue in the Working Group. 1. Views expressed by the State under review on the recommendations and/or conclusions as well as on its voluntary commitments and on the outcome 511. At the 18th meeting, on 24 September 2009, the Director of Human Rights and Minister for Education and Culture made an opening statement, thanking all 46 delegations 139