STC: LANDMARK VISIT TO UK PUTS THE SOUTHERN CAUSE ON THE INTERNATIONAL AGENDA

[LONDON – 11 MARCH 2019] A delegation of the Southern Transitional Council, led by President Aidaroos Al-Zubaidi, concluded today a high-level visit to London. Speaking following a week of engagements with policy makers, including with Members of Parliament, UK Government, representatives of international NGOs and the Southern diaspora, President Al-Zubaidi said:

“Our visit to the United Kingdom was an important step to furthering our engagement with a key international partner towards a solution for the crisis in Yemen. As I reiterated in all my meetings, the STC’s commitment is to a political solution to ending this war, starting with holding the signatories to the Stockholm Agreement to account. It is our duty to our people on the ground to do all we can to deliver this objective, and pave the way for the realization of the Southern people’s aspirations.

“We welcomed the constructive and detailed meetings with officials throughout, recognising the uncontestable link between a solution for South Yemen and the success of the UN-led political process. The fact is that a durable solution for Yemen will be impossible without addressing the grievances of the South. As I set out in my meetings, a comprehensive solution includes the urgent need for credible Southern representation at the table underpinned by strong international guarantees from our partners. In this regard, we renew our commitment to engaging constructively with UN Envoy Martin Griffiths to ensure that the demands and aspirations of Southerners, including for self-determination, are addressed within his framework for negotiations.

“Our calls for an inclusive political process are not just about addressing the needs of the South, but, crucially, to also ensure an outcome that benefits regional and global security. As a legitimate actor on the ground with representation across all six governorates of the South, the STC has developed plans for leading political, economic, and security arrangements, as well as our critical role in fighting terrorism and facilitating humanitarian access to all those in need. This plan, developed with and for Southerners, was warmly received by those we met. We look to build on these positive engagements and support from our UK partner, including with robust rhetoric on the urgency of a solution for South Yemen. As an indispensable component of Yemen’s political solution, much more must be done to secure concrete progress on the South issue in parallel to the diligent efforts to ensure a ceasefire on the ground and sustain the humanitarian response to the crisis.

“We are clear the path ahead is not without challenges. But we are also clear that we stand ready to work with our international partners to forge a future of sustainable peace. This is our responsibility towards our people on the ground and we are led by them. A key component of our constituency is Southern women across our society, and on the heels of International Women’s Day, I would like to pay the greatest respect to all our mothers, wives and daughters in the South. They have been at the forefront of our movement to advocate the marginalisation of the South, and it is on their shoulders we stand tall to bring about a future stable, democratic and independent South.”

Aidaroos Al-Zubaidi

President of the Southern Transitional Council

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