Yemen Prisoner Swap Talks in Muscat Aim for Full Release, Says Government Spokesperson

Majid Fadhail, spokesperson for the Yemeni government delegation negotiating the release of prisoners and detainees, has affirmed their commitment to the ongoing talks in Muscat with the Houthi delegation, under UN auspices, "towards the full release of all detainees on an all-for-all basis."

The talks, facilitated by the UN Special Envoy for Yemen, Hans Grundberg, and the International Committee of the Red Cross, commenced in the Omani capital on Sunday, June 30, 2024, focusing on the exchange of prisoners, detainees, and forcibly disappeared individuals.

Fadhail, who is also the Undersecretary of the Ministry of Human Rights, stated in a post on "X" seen by Barran Press, that the joint negotiation team for the coalition countries involved in the issue of detainees and forcibly disappeared individuals is participating in the Muscat talks.

"We are moving towards full release on an all-for-all basis," Fadhail asserted. Earlier in the day, the Saudi-owned newspaper Asharq Al-Awsat quoted Fadhail predicting that the consultations would last for 10 days. He emphasized that their "primary" demand is "the full release of prisoners and detainees without discrimination based on 'all for all'."

"We have clear and explicit directives from our political leadership regarding this, and the government delegation will handle this humanitarian file with full responsibility and commitment. The issue of the disappeared politician Mohammed Qahtan will not be bypassed in any way and will be at the top of any exchange deal," he added.

Meanwhile, Abdul-Qader Al-Murtada, head of the Houthi delegation, expressed hope on Twitter that the round of consultations would be "successful and that a new exchange deal will be agreed upon."

The current round of talks will focus solely on the issue of prisoners and detainees. However, if successful, as many hope, it could serve as a catalyst for the stalled peace process. The Houthis' recent attacks on shipping in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden have drawn international condemnation and raised concerns about the viability of implementing a roadmap before these attacks cease.

This round of talks holds particular significance as it comes after a prolonged period of stagnation in the prisoner exchange file, marked by the Houthis' repeated failure to fulfill their commitments to disclose the fate of all detainees and prisoners, including prominent Islah Party leader Mohammed Qahtan. Instead, they have demanded the release of individuals whose fates are unknown.