WASHINGTON: Saudi Arabia’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Dr. Abdulaziz Al-Wasel, has reiterated the Kingdom’s full support for the Yemeni Presidential Leadership Council and the government in their efforts to achieve security and stability in the country.
He was addressing a UN Security Council session on Yemen, regarding the country’s ongoing humanitarian, political, and security challenges, the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported on Thursday.
Dr. Al-Wasel also expressed the Kingdom’s concern over recent military operations by the Southern Transitional Council along Saudi Arabia’s southern border in Hadhramaut and Al-Mahrah governorates.
He described these actions as a direct threat to Saudi Arabia’s national security, as well as to the stability and security of Yemen and the wider region.
He also conveyed the Kingdom’s welcome of the agreement signed in Oman for the exchange of prisoners and detainees in Yemen, considering it an important humanitarian step that contributes to alleviating human suffering and enhancing confidence-building opportunities.
He also highlighted the Kingdom’s response to a request from Yemen’s Presidential Leadership Council President, Dr. Rashad Al-Alimi, which involved convening a comprehensive conference in Riyadh.
The initiative aims to bring together all southern factions to engage in dialogue and seek fair solutions to the southern issue.
Al-Wasel emphasised the importance of cooperation among all Yemeni forces and stakeholders, urging concerted efforts to achieve a lasting resolution that ensures security and stability across Yemen.
It is pertinent to mention that Yemen’s Southern Transitional Council last week officially announced its complete dissolution, including its presidency, executive leadership, general secretariat, and all affiliated bodies.
In a statement carried by the SPA, the STC presidency reaffirmed its commitment to the southern cause and announced plans for a comprehensive southern dialogue conference under the auspices of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
The statement highlighted that recent military operations in Hadhramaut and Al-Mahra had undermined southern unity and strained relations with the Saudi-led coalition, while also recognising the coalition’s significant sacrifices and ongoing political, economic, and military support.
The presidency praised Saudi Arabia for its steadfast commitment to the southern cause and its efforts to achieve solutions that reflect the aspirations of the people of the south. It also called on all prominent southern figures and leaders to actively participate in the upcoming dialogue.
