THE HAGUE, 18/07/08 - Dutch nationals in prison in Peru will likely be able to serve their sentences in the Netherlands. Foreign Minister Maxime Verhagen has agreed this with his Peruvian counterpart Jose Garcia Belaunde.

"The Netherlands and Peru want to make agreements that can allow Dutch nationals in Peruvian prisons to serve their sentence in their own country," said Verhagen following the meeting with Garcia Belaunde. The Peruvian minister was in the Netherlands for a two-day working visit as part of a European trip.

There are 108 Dutch prisoners in Peruvian jails, virtually all for drug offences. "The conditions in many South American prisons are often very difficult, dangerous and unhealthy," according to Verhagen.

Garcia Belaunde indicated Peru has recently introduced legislation enabling foreign prisoners to be returned to their own country. Verhagen: "The Netherlands very much wants to make further agreements with Peru in the short term. There appear to be no big obstacles any more."