[18/05/2026 01:34]

RIYADH-SABA
His Excellency President Dr. Rashad Mohammed Al-Alimi, Chairman of the Presidential Leadership Council, received on Monday the government negotiating team responsible for the detainees file, headed by chief negotiator Hadi Haig, to review the latest progress in talks aimed at securing the release of detainees and abductees.

During the meeting, President al-Alimi was briefed by the delegation on the outcome of the most recent round of negotiations held in Amman under United Nations sponsorship, which concluded with an agreement for the release of 1,750 detainees and abductees.

His Excellency welcomed the humanitarian agreement, describing it as an important step toward reuniting families and easing the suffering of thousands of Yemeni households. He congratulated the families of detainees, forcibly disappeared persons, and prisoners, emphasizing that family reunification remains both a humanitarian and national priority.

President Rashad al-Alimi praised the government negotiating team for the professionalism, humanitarian spirit, and national responsibility it demonstrated in handling one of the most sensitive files linked to the suffering of thousands of families across Yemen.

He said the agreement represents a significant humanitarian breakthrough that restores hope to many families and demonstrates that serious and responsible engagement can produce tangible results despite the complexity of the situation.

He stressed that the Yemeni state regards all detainees, wherever they are held, including those misled into joining the Houthi militias, as Yemeni citizens for whom the state bears responsibility in terms of protection, safeguarding rights, and rehabilitation.

The President renewed the commitment of the Presidential Leadership Council and the government to continue efforts toward fully closing the detainees issue and eliminating the file of detainees and forcibly disappeared persons across all parts of the country.

He called for the swift implementation of the agreement in accordance with the approved mechanisms and timetable, underscoring the need to avoid prolonging the suffering of affected families or allowing obstacles to undermine the achievement.

He noted that progress in the humanitarian track could help build confidence for advancement in other areas that support Yemenis’ aspirations for peace, stability, restoration of state institutions, and an end to ongoing hardships.

His Excellency also commended the substantial support provided by Saudi Arabia, noting that its continued facilitation played a decisive role in reaching the agreement. He further praised Jordan for hosting the longest round of consultations and providing all necessary support to ensure the success of the negotiations.

The President also acknowledged the constructive role of Oman in hosting the preliminary stages of the consultations, while expressing appreciation for the efforts of the UN Special Envoy’s Office, the supervisory committee overseeing implementation of the agreement, and the International Committee of the Red Cross as a key humanitarian partner in advancing the closure of this file.

He reiterated the special importance of verifying the status of Mohammed Qahtan, describing his case as a top priority for the state and citing relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions that call for his immediate and unconditional release.

President Rashad al-Alimi pledged continued support for the negotiating team and affirmed that all necessary assistance would be provided to ensure the success of the next implementation phase, with the goal of securing the release of all detainees under the principle of all-for-all exchange.

The President also addressed the issue of aid workers and personnel from humanitarian organizations and the UN who are being arbitrarily detained by the Houthi militias, stressing that their case remains among the government’s highest priorities due to the humanitarian services they have provided to the Yemeni people.

He urged the government negotiating team to continue raising the issue in all discussions and diplomatic contacts and to spare no effort in coordinating with the UN and regional and international partners to secure their release.

His Excellency affirmed the government’s readiness to provide all facilitation and support necessary for any serious efforts aimed at releasing aid workers and staff of humanitarian organizations and the United Nations, describing this as a moral, humanitarian, and legal obligation.

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