Chairman of Yemen’s Presidential Leadership Council Dr. Rashad al-Alimi said on Monday the Southern Transitional Council’s (STC) actions in eastern provinces in recent days undermine the legitimate government and the country’s security.
He met in Riyadh with ambassadors of countries that are sponsoring Yemen’s political process to brief them on the latest developments. Prime Minister Salem Saleh bin Braik was also present at the meeting.
Saudi Arabia has maintained intense efforts to restore calm in wake of the developments. Alimi hailed Riyadh’s “responsible role in sponsoring” the efforts in the Hadhramaut province, including reaching an agreement that would secure oil facilities and prevent the eruption of open clashes.
He lamented that the efforts were being undermined by the STC’s unilateral actions that have stoked tensions and mistrust, reported official media.
The STC’s actions are a “flagrant violation of the references of the transitional phase and a direct threat to the unity of military decision-making,” he warned.
He told the ambassadors that the “partnership with the international community is not limited to provision of aid, but also a joint responsibility in protecting the idea of the state, supporting its legitimate institutions and preventing the establishment of parallel authorities.”
Alimi warned of the economic consequences and negative impact on livelihoods, especially in Hadhramaut and al-Mahra, in wake of the STC’s actions, which could also lead to a loss of trust by donors in the legitimate government.
He called for a “unified, clear and frank international stance that rejects the unilateral measures and underscores a full commitment to the transitional phase and supports the legitimate government as the sole executive authority that can protect Yemen’s higher interests.”
The country and people cannot withstand the reopening of new battlefronts, he warned. “The real battle remains focused on restoring state institutions and ending the coup by the Iran-backed Houthi terrorist militias,” he stressed.
The PLC and government remain committed to the state and people and regional and international partnerships, led by Saudi Arabia that has long come to the aid of the Yemeni people, he declared.
