Prisoners’ Committee: After Completing Prison Visit Round of Negotiations to Be Held

On May 16, 2023

The head of the Prisoners’ Committee, Abdulqadir Al-Murtada, stated Monday that the 15th of May was the supposed date for a round of negotiations in Switzerland, however, a delay happened due to the lateness in implementing the agreement on prison visits.

Al-Murtada indicated to Almasirah TV that the delay in implementing the prison visits agreement was caused by some UN logistical measures, and the agreement is still in place, added that it was agreed with the UN that May 20 will be the beginning of prison visits in Sana’a and Marib.

He pointed out that after the completion of the prison visit, a round of negotiations will be held, and there is no intransigence or obstruction from any party, expressing his hope that the visit will take place as soon as possible so that the new negotiation round can begin.

On May 5, the head of the National Committee for Prisoners’ Affairs, Abdul Qadir Al-Murtada, announced that Sana’a is still waiting for the formation of committees to start visits to prisons by the two parties, according to what was previously agreed upon.

Al-Murtada told Al-Masirah,: “There were obstacles in the previous stages by the US-Saudi mercenaries, but we hope this time will not be repeated.”

He pointed out that “the next round is agreed to include the release of 1,400 prisoners from both sides, and if the deal includes more, it will be welcomed.”

The head of the Prisoners Committee also affirmed that the US obstructs the end of the US-Saudi aggression throughout the past periods, and they always impedes any progress in all rounds of negotiation regarding the prisoners’ issue.

Days earlier, the head of National Committee for Prisoners’ Affairs, Abdulqadir Al-Murtada announced that he discussed with the UN representative ways to advance the prisoners’ issue.

“The UN representative informed us of our full readiness to participate in the next round of negotiations in mid-May, provided that it will be held after completing prison visits,” he said.

“We informed the UN representative of our full readiness to carry out prison visits that were agreed upon with the Marib party,” he added.

He pointed out that the importance of implementing these visits was emphasized as a first step paving the way for the implementation of the remainder of the March 2022 agreement.