Riyadh: A Yemeni presidential council member has called on the Southern Transitional Council (STC) to participate in a Saudi-hosted conference aimed at addressing the ongoing crisis in Yemen's southern regions. Abdullah Al-Alimi, a member of the Presidential Leadership Council, emphasized the importance of the STC's involvement in the dialogue, which is set to take place in Saudi Arabia.
According to Anadolu Agency, Al-Alimi expressed gratitude to Saudi Arabia for its efforts to restore calm and ensure the safety of civilians, particularly in the provinces of Hadhramaut, Shabwa, and Al-Mahra. He commended Riyadh's decision to host a comprehensive 'south-south dialogue,' describing it as a move that underscores Saudi Arabia's commitment to peace and stability in the region.
Al-Alimi stressed that the conference should include all southern political factions and individuals, including the STC, to accurately represent the south's diversity and prevent the recurrence of historical grievances. The Saudi Foreign Ministry had earlier welcomed a proposal by Yemen's presidential council chairman, Rashad al-Alimi, to host the conference in Riyadh. This initiative has also received support from Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, and the United Arab Emirates.
In parallel, Shabwa Governor Awad Mohammed bin al-Wazir assured that authorities in the south-central province would collaborate with the Saudi-led Arab coalition to maintain stability amid ongoing tensions between government forces and STC fighters in southern and eastern Yemen. Bin al-Wazir expressed confidence in Saudi Arabia's role in supporting security and dialogue concerning the southern issue.
Coalition spokesman Turki al-Maliki commended the governor's position, reiterating the coalition's commitment to preserving Shabwa's stability and ensuring that no forces enter the province without coordination with local authorities.
The situation in Yemen has escalated since Tuesday, following the STC's takeover of Hadhramaut and Al-Mahra in early December. These provinces, which account for nearly half of Yemen's territory, share borders with Saudi Arabia. On Friday, STC leader Aidrous al-Zubaidi announced a two-year 'transitional phase,' including dialogue with northern Yemeni parties and a 'referendum' on the south's future.
This development has occurred amidst a rift between Saudi Arabia and the UAE, with Riyadh accusing Abu Dhabi of encouraging STC forces to conduct military operations along Saudi Arabia's southern border in Hadhramaut and Al-Mahra. The UAE has denied these allegations. The STC claims that successive Yemeni governments have politically and economically marginalized southern regions and advocates for secession, a stance rejected by Yemeni authorities, who remain committed to the country's unity.