Deputy Foreign Minister: Riyadh Stands with Legitimacy; Washington Only Cares That Houthis Do Not Attack Israel

Yemen Monitor / Newsroom:

Yesterday, Friday, Yemeni Deputy Foreign Minister Mohammed Ahmed No’man expressed surprise at the remarks made by the President of the Southern Transitional Council (STC), Aidarous al-Zubaidi, regarding “dialogue and consensus” following his break from the legitimate government, which came after his announcement of a “transitional phase leading to a referendum.”

In an interview with Al Jazeera, No’man stated that he did not know if al-Zubaidi had received a mandate from all Southerners to make such an announcement. He emphasized that no dialogue will take place until al-Zubaidi announces the withdrawal of all his “militias” from the areas they have entered. He expressed bewilderment at al-Zubaidi’s talk of creating what he described as an “invented entity” without consensus or dialogue among Yemenis.

Regarding coordination with Saudi Arabia, the Deputy Foreign Minister stated that coordination is at its highest levels, stressing that Riyadh stands alongside constitutional legitimacy. He also revealed that communications with the American side showed that Washington is not concerned with matters related to the Ansar Allah group (the Houthis); he stated that the US only wants to ensure that the Houthis do not attack Israel.

Commenting on the UAE’s decision to withdraw its forces—implementing an announced decision to end the remaining tasks of “counter-terrorism” teams—No’man considered the move “very late.” He added that “the number of Emirati forces was not large, but their influence on al-Zubaidi was intense.”

Earlier on Friday evening, the President of the STC announced the start of a two-year transitional period followed by a referendum on Southern independence. He called on the international community to sponsor 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.

The UAE Ministry of Defense announced yesterday evening the completion of the return of all its force elements from Yemen. This followed an announcement last Tuesday regarding the end of the missions of its counter-terrorism teams, amid rapid developments in the country.