14/04/23 (Agence Europe) – The spokesperson for the European External Action Service welcomed the prisoner exchange operation in Yemen, which began on Friday 14 April. “This initial release of 887 detainees by the parties, in line with the agreement reached in Geneva last month, is a crucial step in the implementation of the 2018 Stockholm Agreement”, said the spokesperson. He welcomed the commitment of the parties to continue negotiations on the detainees’ exchange agreement. In this holy month of Ramadan, the spokesperson reiterated the EU’s calls for an extension of the truce, “which could pave the way for a ceasefire and ultimately for a comprehensive and inclusive peace process under UN auspices”, while welcoming regional initiatives for appeasement. The European Union is also continuing to urge the Houthis to engage in good faith. (CG)