Ankara: Gulf countries on Saturday expressed their support for efforts by Yemen's internationally recognized government to engage in dialogue to address the ongoing crisis in the country's southern regions.
According to Anadolu Agency, the Qatari Foreign Ministry issued a statement endorsing the Yemeni government's initiatives to facilitate dialogue and address the Southern Issue. The statement also highlighted the Yemeni Presidential Leadership Council's intention to organize a conference in Saudi Arabia.
Qatar commended the initiative as a means to unite the parties for discussion and to explore equitable solutions, demonstrating the Yemeni leadership's dedication to dialogue in resolving national challenges. The ministry acknowledged Saudi Arabia's role in hosting the conference, viewing it as part of the kingdom's ongoing support for peace and security efforts in Yemen.
The statement stressed the importance of active participation by all southern factions in the upcoming Riyadh conference, urging that the focus should remain on the interests of the Yemeni people. Additionally, Qatar emphasized adherence to the outcomes of the National Dialogue Conference, framing it as the consensual and comprehensive mechanism for achieving an inclusive political resolution that respects Yemen's unity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity.
Qatar cautioned against unilateral actions taken without broad consultation, warning that such measures could destabilize the nation and jeopardize prospects for a lasting political agreement. The ministry reiterated its full support for regional and international efforts to progress the political process and resolve the Yemeni crisis through dialogue and peaceful means, with the ultimate goal of securing Yemen's and the region's stability.
Kuwait also expressed support for the proposed conference in Riyadh, initiated by Yemen's presidential council chief, Rasha al-Alimi. In its Foreign Ministry statement, Kuwait emphasized monitoring the political and security developments in Yemen and encouraged all Yemeni parties to engage in dialogue and pursue de-escalation.
Bahrain's Foreign Ministry voiced concerns over the escalating tensions in Yemen and their implications for the country's sovereignty, independence, and regional stability. It urged the Yemeni people to exercise wisdom and halt further escalation.
The situation in Yemen has intensified since Tuesday, following the Southern Transitional Council (STC) forces' takeover of Hadhramaut and Al-Mahra in early December. These provinces, comprising nearly half of Yemen's territory, share borders with Saudi Arabia. The STC leadership, led by Aidrous al-Zubaidi, announced a two-year transitional period to engage in dialogue with northern Yemeni factions and hold a referendum on the south's future.
Tensions have emerged between Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) over Riyadh's accusations that Abu Dhabi supported STC forces in military operations along Saudi Arabia's southern border. The UAE has denied these claims. The STC argues that successive Yemeni governments have politically and economically marginalized the southern regions and advocates for secession, a notion Yemeni authorities reject as they reiterate their commitment to national unity.