Yemen's Southern Transitional Council spokesman Nizar Haitham reaffirmed to Asharq Al-Awsat that the STC’s stance on implementing the Riyadh Agreement remains unchanged.
Haitham blamed the internationally recognized government for "unjustified procrastination" in implementing the Riyadh deal that would give the southerners a 50 percent representation in a new government.
"Firm decisions must be made to appoint a shared government, and a governor and head of security for Aden," Haitham said.
The STC spokesman welcomed the Saudi call to return to implementing the Riyadh Agreement which the Council signed with the legitimate government last November.
He called for the implementation of the provisions of the political part of the Agreement immediately and without delay.
The STC’s announcement of a plan for self-rule and widespread deployment of STC fighters across Aden caused concern in the international community. Saudi Arabia, the UAE and the Arab Coalition supporting the Yemeni government in its battle against the Houthis all called for a return to dialogue and implementing the Riyadh Agreement.
“We support the Riyadh Agreement and hope that the Arab Coalition will pressure parties to implement the political part of it without delay,” Haitham said.
UN Special Envoy to Yemen Martin Griffiths had said that the STC’s announcement of self-rule was disappointing, calling for implementing the Riyadh Agreement.
The states that sponsor the peace process in Yemen, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation and the Gulf Cooperation Council urged all parties to return immediately to implement the Agreement and give priority to the interests of the Yemeni people.
