The Southern Transitional Council (STC) in Yemen has welcomed Saudi Arabia’s invitation to sponsor a dialogue aimed at addressing the southern issue. The STC views this initiative as a genuine opportunity for serious discussions to safeguard the future, security, and stability of southern Yemen, according to an official statement.
Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Ministry announced on Saturday its call for all southern Yemeni factions to participate in a conference hosted by the Kingdom at the request of Yemeni Presidential Leadership Council head, Rashad al-Alimi. The objective is to develop a comprehensive vision for just solutions to the southern question.
In its statement, the STC emphasized that it sees the Saudi invitation as consistent with its ongoing efforts to secure serious regional and international attention to the cause of the southern people, ensuring a fair and sustainable resolution that aligns with their aspirations.
The council highlighted its participation in previous dialogues sponsored by Saudi Arabia and the Gulf Cooperation Council, starting with the Riyadh Agreement of 2019, followed by the Riyadh Consultations of 2022, and culminating in the comprehensive southern dialogue that led to the adoption of the Southern National Charter in 2023.
The STC concluded by asserting that any serious dialogue must begin with the recognition of the will of the southern people within a specific timeframe and with full international guarantees. The council stressed that a popular referendum is the ultimate arbiter for any future political proposals or solutions.
The call for dialogue on the southern issue follows recent political and military escalations in Yemen’s southern and eastern governorates and has been welcomed by all Gulf states. Recent developments on the ground include the withdrawal of STC forces from strategic locations in Al-Mahra Governorate, coinciding with advances by government forces in Hadramaut Governorate.
Aidarus al-Zoubaidi, head of the Southern Transitional Council, announced on Friday the start of a two-year transitional period, to be followed by a referendum on southern independence. He called on the international community to sponsor what he described as a comprehensive political dialogue culminating in a referendum that guarantees the right to self-determination through peaceful and transparent mechanisms, with the participation of international observers.
