Aden, Yemen – Political parties, groups, and forces in southern Yemen issued a unified statement affirming their firm stance on recent developments. They demanded the official declaration of a federal state in southern Yemen and the restoration of the state to its pre-May 21, 1990 borders.
The statement, monitored by Shabwa Press, affirmed the southerners’ commitment to their full right to restore their state in accordance with the Southern National Charter. They considered the official declaration of a federal state in the south to be the political and legal expression of the will of the southern people.
Supporting the armed forces and liberation demands
The statement emphasized unwavering support for the Southern Armed Forces, describing them as “the bulwark of the nation and the protector of its independence project.” The signatories also stressed the necessity of completing the liberation of the remaining southern governorates, particularly Shabwa, Hadramawt, and Al-Mahra, and extending sovereignty over all southern territories, including Mukayras, considering this an “inalienable and non-negotiable sovereign right.”
The southern factions affirmed their support for the leadership of President Aidarus al-Zubaidi. They also called for strengthening internal cohesion and partnership among the various factions under the umbrella of the Southern National Charter.
Appreciation for the Arab coalition and a call to the region
The statement expressed the appreciation of southerners for the positions of the Arab Coalition led by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. It affirmed that the people of the South will cherish this fraternal role for generations to come.
In another context, the groups affirmed their support for all efforts aimed at liberating Yemen from the Houthi terrorist militia. They reiterated that the South is now protected from “forces of failure and conspiracy.”
The signatories called upon their brothers in the region and international partners to respect the will of the people of South Sudan. They also requested that its political leadership be recognized as the legitimate and true representative of its aspirations for independence and state-building.
Signatories
The statement was issued in the name of a wide range of political, social, trade union, and military parties and groups. Most notably: the League of the Sons of South Arabia Party, the Southern Democratic Gathering (Taj), the Southern General People’s Congress, the Liberation Front Party, the Southern Resistance, and the Supreme Southern Military Authority. Also included were the Southern Journalists Syndicate and the Southern Lawyers Syndicate.
The signatories concluded their statement by affirming their commitment to move steadily towards restoring the independent southern state, in fulfillment of the sacrifices of the martyrs and the wounded.
