A senior Yemeni official has expressed surprise at recent statements made by Aidarus al-Zubaidi, head of the Southern Transitional Council (STC), regarding dialogue and consensus following what he described as a departure from legitimacy. Mohammed Ahmed Numan, Deputy Foreign Minister, voiced his concerns after al-Zubaidi announced a ‘transitional phase’ leading to a referendum on southern independence.
In an exclusive interview, Numan questioned whether al-Zubaidi had a mandate from all southerners to make such a declaration. He asserted that no dialogue could take place until al-Zubaidi’s forces, which he termed ‘militias,’ withdrew from all occupied territories. Numan also criticized the STC leader’s proposal to create a ‘fabricated entity’ without prior agreement or discussion among all Yemenis.
‘We are surprised by the talk of dialogue after the departure from legitimacy,’ Numan stated, emphasizing the need for a return to constitutional order before any negotiations could commence.
Regarding coordination with Saudi Arabia, the Deputy Foreign Minister affirmed that cooperation was at its highest level and that Riyadh remained steadfast in its support of the legitimate government. He also revealed that discussions with the United States indicated that Washington was primarily focused on ensuring that Ansar Allah (the Houthis) did not attack Israel.
Concerning the United Arab Emirates’ decision to withdraw its forces from Yemen, following the declared end of its counter-terrorism operations, Numan suggested that the move was ‘long overdue.’ He added that while the UAE forces were not numerous, their influence on al-Zubaidi had been significant.
Al-Zubaidi’s announcement of a two-year transitional period culminating in a referendum on southern independence has sparked controversy. He called on the international community to oversee a comprehensive political dialogue that would lead to a referendum ensuring the right to self-determination through peaceful and transparent mechanisms, with international observers.
The UAE Ministry of Defense confirmed the complete withdrawal of its forces from Yemen, following the completion of its counter-terrorism missions. This development underscores the rapidly evolving situation in the war-torn nation. The Yemeni government remains committed to a unified and stable Yemen.
