Aden: Yemen's Southern Transitional Council (STC) announced its preparedness to ensure the success of an upcoming conference in Saudi Arabia, aimed at addressing the future of the country's southern regions. The declaration came during a meeting of the STC leadership in Aden, where the council's head, Aidarous Zubaidi, and members of Yemen's Presidential Leadership Council praised Saudi Arabia's efforts to host the conference in Riyadh.
According to Anadolu Agency - English, the STC expressed its willingness to participate effectively in the conference, aiming to contribute to shaping a unified southern vision. This vision aligns with the struggles and aspirations of the people in the south for self-determination, under a defined timeframe and with UN and international supervision.
On Saturday, Saudi Arabia extended an invitation to all parties in Yemeni territories outside of Houthi control to attend the conference to discuss the southern issue. This invitation followed Zubaidi's announcement of a two-year transitional phase, which would include dialogue with southern Yemeni parties and a referendum on the region's future.
The developments come in the aftermath of the STC forces' capture of the eastern provinces of Hadhramaut and al-Mahra last month. However, government forces reclaimed full control of these regions on Sunday. These areas represent nearly half of Yemen's territory and share borders with Saudi Arabia.
Last week, Saudi Arabia accused the United Arab Emirates (UAE) of encouraging STC forces to conduct military operations along its southern border in Hadhramaut and Mahra, an allegation that Abu Dhabi denied. The STC claims that successive Yemeni governments have politically and economically marginalized southern regions and continues to advocate for secession, a stance that Yemeni authorities reject, reaffirming their commitment to the country's unity.