OMAN, Muscat: The Yemeni government and Houthi representatives commenced new negotiations in Muscat under UN and ICRC auspices, focusing on prisoner and detainee exchanges amid Yemen’s humanitarian crisis.
Government spokesperson Majid Fadail confirmed the initial session, attended by UN envoy Sarhad Fattah and ICRC representatives.
Negotiations prioritize releasing all prisoners under an “all-for-all” principle, emphasizing humanitarian responsibility. The fate of Mohamed Qahtan, held by Houthis for nine years, is a focal point, with the government linking progress to his release.
Houthi negotiator Abdul Qader Murtada expressed optimism for a successful outcome, hoping to resolve the humanitarian file through a new exchange deal.
Previous talks in Amman (June 2023) ended inconclusively, while a Swiss round (March 2023) led to the successful April 2023 release of over 800 detainees from both sides.
