Almost a month of prisoner exchange talks between Yemeni officials and Houthi rebel representatives in Amman ended on Sunday without results, a UN official said.
UN special envoy to Yemen Martin Griffiths said he was “disappointed” the talks did not end with the release of 300 prisoners, for which the two sides have been negotiating at meetings in Jordan’s capital.
Thousands of Yemenis are in jail or have vanished in the seven-year civil war, although more than 1,000 prisoners were released in November last year after a deal in Montreux, Switzerland.
Mr Griffiths, whose office is in Amman, urged the two sides to remain part of a prisoner exchange process supervised by the UN and the Red Cross, and to “expand the arrangements to release more detainees soon”.
“I reiterate my call for the unconditional release of all sick, wounded, elderly and children detainees, as well as detained civilians, including women and journalists,” he said.
The main conflict is between the internationally recognised Yemeni government and other forces in a Saudi-led coalition against the Iran-backed Houthis, who overran the capital, Sanaa, in 2014.
The focus of the talks was on journalists and very sick people, as well as senior pro-government figures captured by the Houthis.
Among them are Naser Mansur Hadi, who is the brother of Yemeni President Abdrabu Mansur Hadi, and former defence minister Brig Mahmoud Al Subaihi.
There was no immediate reaction from either side.
Abdel Qader Al Murtada, head of the Houthi delegation, said he had hoped before the talks for “success for this round and the release of the largest number of prisoners from all sides”.
Several prisoner swaps have concluded, with the Montreux deal the first under the 2018 Stockholm peace agreement.
Both sides had submitted lists with the names of 15,000 detainees they wanted freed and accused each other of delays.
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5 of the most-popular Airbnb locations in Dubai
Bobby Grudziecki, chief operating officer of Frank Porter, identifies the five most popular areas in Dubai for those looking to make the most out of their properties and the rates owners can secure:
• Dubai Marina
The Marina and Jumeirah Beach Residence are popular locations, says Mr Grudziecki, due to their closeness to the beach, restaurants and hotels.
Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh482 to Dh739
Two bedroom: Dh627 to Dh960
Three bedroom: Dh721 to Dh1,104
• Downtown
Within walking distance of the Dubai Mall, Burj Khalifa and the famous fountains, this location combines business and leisure. “Sure it’s for tourists,” says Mr Grudziecki. “Though Downtown [still caters to business people] because it’s close to Dubai International Financial Centre."
Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh497 to Dh772
Two bedroom: Dh646 to Dh1,003
Three bedroom: Dh743 to Dh1,154
• City Walk
The rising star of the Dubai property market, this area is lined with pristine sidewalks, boutiques and cafes and close to the new entertainment venue Coca Cola Arena. “Downtown and Marina are pretty much the same prices,” Mr Grudziecki says, “but City Walk is higher.”
Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh524 to Dh809
Two bedroom: Dh682 to Dh1,052
Three bedroom: Dh784 to Dh1,210
• Jumeirah Lake Towers
Dubai Marina’s little brother JLT resides on the other side of Sheikh Zayed road but is still close enough to beachside outlets and attractions. The big selling point for Airbnb renters, however, is that “it’s cheaper than Dubai Marina”, Mr Grudziecki says.
Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh422 to Dh629
Two bedroom: Dh549 to Dh818
Three bedroom: Dh631 to Dh941
• Palm Jumeirah
Palm Jumeirah's proximity to luxury resorts is attractive, especially for big families, says Mr Grudziecki, as Airbnb renters can secure competitive rates on one of the world’s most famous tourist destinations.
Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh503 to Dh770
Two bedroom: Dh654 to Dh1,002
Three bedroom: Dh752 to Dh1,152
