Saudi Arabia is leading intensive efforts in Jeddah to lay the groundwork for a dialogue between Yemen’s legitimacy and the Southern Transitional Council (STC), Yemeni government sources revealed to Asharq Al-Awsat newspaper.
The STC delegation, chaired by Aidarus al-Zubaidi, arrived in Jeddah on Tuesday in response to a Saudi invitation.
While the government denied any direct or indirect talks, STC spokesman Nizar Haitham revealed unofficial meetings with parties in the legitimate government pending the start of the official talks.
A Yemeni minister affirmed to the newspaper that the legitimacy is hinging on a Saudi role in Shabwa province to achieve calm and set the stage for the talks.
Saudi forces have arrived in the province, Arab coalition spokesman Colonel Turki al-Maliki has said.
“There are no direct talks of any kind at this point between the government and the STC,” Asharq Al-Awsat quoted government spokesman Rajeh Badi as saying. Before any consultations, the STC should withdraw its forces to their pre-August 7 posts, Badi added.
Haitham stated that the legitimate government’s rejection to hold talks with the STC delegation doesn’t serve efforts exerted by the Kingdom, rather it serves the Houthi militias, and the Iranian and Qatari agendas.
“We are looking with confidence and optimism at the success of the Jeddah meeting between Yemen’s government and the STC, and unity against the Houthi coup,” UAE Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Anwar Gargash said in a Twitter post.
"If there is to be a dialogue, it will be with the United Arab Emirates under the supervision of Saudi Arabia, taking into consideration the Emirates is the main factor in the conflict between us and them," Yemen's deputy Prime Minister Ahmed al-Maisari said.
Moreover, Yemeni Health Minister Nasser Baoum stressed that his country is hinging on the Saudi force in Shabwa through its vital role of bringing back stability.
Baoum expressed optimism in remarks to Asharq Al-Awsat that conditions will improve.
The latest clashes have left more than 460 people injured, some in critical condition, he said. Baoum added that the Yemeni government briefed the World Health Organization and UNICEF on the situation.
