Control of the controversial Bagram Military prison was handed over to the Afghanistan government on Monday after delays to do so earlier this month were cancelled at the last minute.

Earlier this month just as the ceremony to hand over the prison to Afghan officials was to begin, it was abruptly cancelled over concerns that hundreds of the nearly 4,000 taliban prisoners incarcerated there would be released and would return to the war. That concern has surfaced multiple times throughout the discussion process.

“The Secretary[Chuck Hagel] welcomed president Karzai’s commitment that the transfer will be carried out in a way that assures the safety of the Afghan people and coalition forces by keeping dangerous individuals detained in a secure and humane manner in accordance with Afghan law,” said Pentagon spokesman George Little.

The transfer of control over the prison comes as the president of Afghanistan visits the Gulf state of Qatar to discuss the opening of a Taliban office there. The opening of an office there for the Taliban is contingent on the group breaking all ties with al Qaeda and other terrorists as well as show readiness to open direct negotiations with the Afghan government.

Although both Afghanistan and Qatar have agreed on the opening, the Taliban has not yet accepted the offer.

The United States is also in agreement and has said it will support the opening of an office there.

United States Ambassador Susan Rice stated, Afghan-led reconciliation is important for stability – the best way to end conflict and bring peace to Afghanistan and the region. We continue to support the opening of an office in Doha, Qatar, to facilitate negotiations between the High Peace Council and the authorised representatives of the Taliban.