U.S. hands over control of Bagram prison to Afghanistan

The U.S. is handing over control of the Bagram detention center to Afghan forces.

General John Allen, commander of NATO forces in Afghanistan-- made it official in a ceremony with Afghan Defense Minister Rahim Wardak in Kabul.

SOUNDBITE: General John Allen, Commander of NATO forces in Afghanistan saying:

"This is an important step. This an step forward in our strategic partnership negotiation. It is yet another example of the progress of transition, and our efforts to ensure that Afghanistan can never again be a safe haven for international terrorists."

The transfer of the prison at Bagram air base is expected to be completed over the next six months. On the streets of Kabul, locals welcomed the news

SOUNDBITE: Rohullah Khan A Resident Of Kabul saying (Dari) :

"We are glad and appreciate this decision that those prisons run by American forces will be transferred to Afghan authority, we are proud of our country police and army forces. They have ability to control the prison by their own."

The move is expected to ease relations between Washington and Kabul which have been strained by the burning of Korans at the base and the deadly fallout from the controversy. Kabul has also asked that U.S. and NATO forces stop conducting night raids on Afghan homes.

Deborah Gembara, Reuters.