Yemen Monitor / Newsroom:
The Southern Transitional Council (STC)—currently in a state of rebellion against the legitimate Yemeni authorities—announced its welcome of Saudi Arabia’s invitation to sponsor a Southern Dialogue Conference in Riyadh. The Council emphasized that the conference represents a “genuine opportunity” to launch a serious and responsible dialogue to achieve the aspirations of the people of the South.
The STC, which advocates for the secession of Southern Yemen from the North, stated in a press release that the Saudi invitation is a practical translation of the approach it has adopted since its founding: relying on dialogue as the sole rational means to address political issues. The Council noted that this invitation aligns with its political statement issued last Friday and its ongoing efforts to secure serious regional and international sponsorship for the Southern cause to ensure a just and sustainable resolution.
The Council stressed that any serious dialogue must acknowledge the will of the Southern people, operate within a specific timeframe, and be backed by full international guarantees. It further emphasized that a free popular referendum of the people of the South remains the ultimate arbiter for any future political proposals or solutions.
For his part, STC leader Abu Zara’a al-Muharrami stated that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s call to hold the Southern Dialogue Conference confirms its deep commitment to supporting peace and stability in Yemen and reflects its steadfast dedication to comprehensive political solutions based on dialogue and consensus. Al-Muharrami explained that the Kingdom, acting on its historical responsibility and constructive regional role, continues to sponsor this dialogue aimed at addressing the just Southern cause and ensuring the fulfillment of the legitimate aspirations of the Southern people.
He noted that holding the conference under the Kingdom’s sponsorship represents a historical opportunity to unify Southern ranks and formulate a unified position. He added that it serves as an important platform for finding just political solutions for the future of the South within a framework that preserves its security and stability and enhances development paths.
The Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs had issued a statement on Saturday calling on all Southern components in Yemen to participate in a conference hosted on its territory to develop a comprehensive vision for just solutions to the Southern issue. This came hours after the Chairman of the Yemeni Presidential Leadership Council, Rashad al-Alimi, submitted a request to the Kingdom to host the event.
Previously, in early December, the STC forces carried out sudden military movements and declared control over Hadramawt and Al-Mahra, subsequently rejecting local and regional calls to withdraw. In response, the “Nation’s Shield” forces of the legitimate Yemeni government announced early Friday the start of a military operation to “reclaim camps” in Hadramawt to reinforce security and protect citizens from potential chaos.
