Paris, France – The French capital, Paris, is witnessing intense diplomatic and media activity. This activity is being spearheaded by leaders and activists of the Southern Transitional Council (residing abroad), in preparation for an upcoming international press conference. The conference aims to reveal the details of what transpired in the Saudi capital, Riyadh, in recent hours.
Internationalizing the issue from the heart of Europe
This move, which is being coordinated extensively with French and international media outlets, comes in response to the announcement of the dissolution of the Southern Transitional Council in Riyadh under what have been described as “coercive” circumstances. The conference aims to convey the voice of the southern street, currently rallying in the “Million-Man March of Loyalty and Steadfastness,” to global decision-making centers.
The main demands that will be included in the press conference:
The demand is for the immediate and unconditional release of the more than 50 members of the Southern Transitional Council delegation being held in Riyadh. A warning has also been issued regarding any documents obtained from them under duress.
The call is to move the “South-South” dialogue from Riyadh to the capital, Aden. This must be under direct UN and international supervision, free from the “dictates and pressures” of any regional party.
The fact that Yemeni and southern affairs have been managed from closed rooms in neighboring countries for over a decade undermines the legitimacy of the current authority and renders it a “guardianship authority.” This authority does not represent the will of the people on the ground.
Hani Breik and the international community
In a related development, Sheikh Hani Breik, Vice President of the Southern Transitional Council, issued an urgent appeal to the international community for immediate intervention to rescue the “abducted” southern delegation. Breik considers what transpired in Riyadh a blatant violation of diplomatic norms and the people’s right to self-representation. This move in Paris reflects the deep divisions within the southern movement. While Riyadh attempts to engineer a new southern landscape by dissolving the Transitional Council, the “Aden-Paris Front” has emerged to declare its absolute rejection of these steps.
