The right of citizens to receive a reply to their queries submitted to institutions, and the duty of the latter to provide a reply are, however, not absolute. In cases where correspondence from citizens is abusive because of its excessive number or of its repetitive or pointless character, no reply need be sent (Article 14(3) of the European Code). In this regard, the Ombudsman considers that this exception to the general principle that institutions have to reply to citizens' correspondence must be applied strictly. The citizens concerned have to be explicitly informed of the institution's decision to discontinue correspondence with them and of the reasons for that decision.