Under the auspices of the UN Special Envoy for Yemen, Hans Grundberg, and the International Committee of the Red Cross, consultations began today (Sunday) in Muscat, Oman’s capital, between the internationally recognized Yemeni government and the Houthi group regarding the exchange of prisoners, detainees, and forcibly disappeared persons.
Majed Fadhail, spokesperson for the government delegation and Deputy Minister of Human Rights, anticipated the consultations to last around 10 days, emphasizing the government’s demand for the unconditional release of all prisoners and abducted individuals.
Abdulqader Al-Murtadha, head of the Houthi delegation, expressed hope for a successful round of talks leading to a new exchange deal. The negotiations, facilitated by the UN and ICRC, aim to alleviate the suffering of detainees and reunite them with their families under the principle of “all for all”.
Previous negotiation rounds, supported by the UN and ICRC, successfully secured the release of two batches of prisoners totaling over 1,900 individuals. The Yemeni government accuses the Houthis of obstructing discussions by being selective in their demands or presenting names of detainees not held by government forces.
