According to AzerTAg, minister pointed that following the president's instructions, necessary measures had been taken to bring the penal system in Azerbaijan to conformity with modern requirements, eliminate existing shortcomings and ensure the rights of convicts. In this context, he underlined the importance of cooperation with the International Committee of the Red Cross.

In accordance of the unique agreement signed between the Government of Azerbaijan and ICRC, representatives of the organization have unimpeded access to the places of detention and opportunity to meet with convicts.

"It brings positive results, and the Ministry takes necessary measures on the base of the reports submitted," Mr. Mammadov noted in this connection.

Touching on the issue of toughening social control over penal system, Minister Mammadov noted that particular attention is currently paid to ensuring transparency in this sphere, and gave an overview of what has been done to create a Public body for the social control to be well organized, and efficient.

Mrs. Mary Werntz pointed out that the judicial and legal reform being implemented in Azerbaijan has a positive impact on functioning of the penal system, and confirmed the improvement of the condition of prisoners including their food supply and treatment. She especially underlined the positive changes in healthcare service, described the effect of treatment of consumptive prisoners conducted jointly with the Committee as a great success in this field, and thanked the Ministry for the active cooperation.

Mr. Jean-Paul Corboz pointed out that the reforms in the penal system of Azerbaijan, first of all, serve the interests of convicts. He also expressed gratitude for the favorable conditions created by the Main Board for Execution of Court Decisions for related activities of the Committee.

The sides welcomed the Ministry's initiative to create a Public body to toughen the social control over the penal system, and exchanged views on prospects of the cooperation and a number of other issues of mutual interest.