Aden, Yemen – Major General Faraj Salmeen Al-Bahsani, a member of the Presidential Leadership Council and Vice President of the Southern Transitional Council, issued a series of firm statements regarding current military and political issues. He announced his categorical rejection of efforts to unify military forces under the leadership of the coalition, warning of the repercussions of dissolving the Southern Transitional Council.
Refusal to unify military forces
In notable remarks to AFP, Al-Bahsani described the efforts of the head of the Presidential Leadership Council, Rashad Al-Alimi, to unify all military forces under a single coalition command as “difficult to achieve.” Al-Bahsani asserted unequivocally: “The southern forces will not accept unification, whether they are those affiliated with the Southern Transitional Council, the Hadhramaut forces, or any other military formations.”
Defending the “Transitional Council” and fears of a “power vacuum”
Regarding the leaks about the possibility of dissolving the Southern Transitional Council from Riyadh, Al-Bahsani warned that such a move would undermine the Council’s efforts to “unify the South.” He added that declaring its dissolution would create a “power vacuum” that other parties could exploit. He emphasized that the Transitional Council has played a pivotal role in stabilizing the southern regions.
The stance on dialogue and Saudi mediation
Regarding diplomatic efforts in Saudi Arabia, Al-Bahsani revealed his stance on participating in the ongoing dialogues. He announced his readiness to participate in any genuine dialogue in Saudi Arabia as soon as he recovers, provided a suitable and serious atmosphere for discussion is established. Al-Bahsani also called on Saudi Arabia to give southerners the opportunity to consult outside of Saudi Arabia, in order to ensure that talks are conducted free from direct political pressure.
