A siege at the Afghan capital's main jail that followed a revolt by hundreds of inmates has eased today.
Trucks enter the first checkpoint to the Pul-i-Charkhi prison on the eastern outskirts of Kabul
In an agreement with authorities, inmates handed over the bodies of four prisoners killed after rioting broke out at Pul-i-Charkhi prison on Saturday, as well as 17 of 30 wounded, Deputy Justice Minister Mohammad Qasim Hashimzai said.
Another 13 prisoners were treated at the jail, and preparations are under way to transfer more than 1,300 inmates from two cell blocks damaged in the riot to a temporary block while repairs were carried out.
Authorities were also addressing prisoners' demands for better food, a recreation area, a library and better treatment by guards, the minister said.
Authorities sent food to the prisoners yesterday after negotiations led by Sibghatullah Mojadidi, a former president who heads a state-appointed peace commission trying to encourage Taliban insurgents to lay down their arms.
Today trucks brought mattresses and blankets to replace bedding prisoners burned during the siege.
"There has been a breakthrough in the talks," Mr Hashimzai said earlier. "I think we are nearing a peaceful end." He said authorities had promised to restore electricity and water supplies once prisoners moved to the new block.
Troops backed by tanks and armoured personnel carriers have surrounded the jail on Kabul's eastern outskirts, but numbers appeared to have declined.
During the siege, prisoners occupied a block housing about 70 women inmates and their children, raising concerns for their safety, but officials said last night no hostages were being held and male and female prisoners were back in their respective blocks.