The first convoy of trucks from the United Nations World Food Programme hascrossed the front line in Afghanistan carrying five hundred tons offood for tens of thousands of people in the remote central Hazarajat region.

The delivery comes three weeks after the Taleban authorities announced a lifting of their food blockade of the region.

The delivery is being made under a complex agreement with the Taleban under which a separate consignment of one-hundred tons of wheat will go to a nearby Taleban held enclave The UN says its staff will monitor distribution of the food in Hazarajat.