A press release issued by the General Department of Foreign Affairs

[Aden, Thursday 09 April 2020] The General Department of Foreign Affairs expresses that the Southern Transitional Council (STC) welcomes the announcement of the Arab Coaltion for a two-week comprehensive ceasefire, starting today Thursday, April 09, 2020. In this regard, the Southern Transitional Council affirms the need for a clear mechanism to ensure the success of the cease-fire initiative, and iterates STC’s readiness to discuss the appropriate mechanism for a cease-fire where many fronts are defended by the Southern Forces and the reinforcement of the Southern Resistance. At the same time the Council affirms its responsibility to protect the population in the South from any new military escalation. During a televised speech on 22 March 2020, STC’s President Mr. Aidarous Al-Zubaidi, called on all political forces to overcome all differences, unite efforts to cooperate and join forces to confront the pandemic of the new Corona virus. In addition to that, he called on all parties and international stakeholders to act responsibly to face this exceptional humanitarian and health circumstances.
 
It has become more necessary than ever to move towards a sustainable solution. In view of this, the Southern Transitional Council welcomed the call by the United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres for all warring parties to commit to an immediate ceasefire. In this regard, the Council affirms its readiness to participate constructively and jointly form the necessary procedures that would facilitate and implement the call made by the Secretary-General of the United Nations. This is not only an opportunity to confront the Corona virus pandemic, but also brings a fresh chance to the political process, as it truly gives everyone an opportunity for a comprehensive and lasting ceasefire, agreeing on constructive steps to reach a comprehensive political process.
 
In parallel with the humanitarian track, the Southern Transitional Council reaffirms its commitment to the Riyadh Agreement as a starting point for the resumption of the political talks led by the United Nations, and the Transitional Council calls upon the Arab coalition led by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates to move forward with the implementation of the Riyadh Agreement through adoption of a proper and thoughtful endeavor by the two countries. The Yemeni government must move forward to reciprocate our constructive approach, by including real steps on the ground. It is unacceptable for any party in this conflict to use the crisis to achieve special gains. In this regard, the Southern Transitional Council supports the efforts of the Special Envoy of the Secretary-General, Martin Griffiths, stressing that the real representation of the Southern cause through its representative the Southern Transitional Council in the political process, is the guarantor of its success and continuity.
 
The Council affirms its complete adherence to the right of the Southern People and their legitimate aspirations to self-determination, and in preserving their interests and providing means of life and decent living. Our responsibility is to ensure their protection and provide a solution to their cause within the framework of the United Nations-led political process.
 
Southern Transitional Council

General Department of Foreign Affairs
 
Al-Tawahi, Aden

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