Aden, Yemen – Anwar al-Tamimi, the official spokesperson for the Southern Transitional Council (STC), affirmed that any fundamental decisions, whether political or strategic, concerning the future of the Council or the cause of the people of South Yemen, can only be made by the Council’s full leadership bodies, primarily the Presidency and the National Assembly, under the personal chairmanship of President Aidarus Qasim al-Zubaidi. This statement comes as a direct response to what he described as attempts to exert pressure or impose external dictates on the STC. He also emphasized that the legitimacy of any decision made by the South Yemeni leadership stems from its governing institutions and the will of its popular base.
Al-Tamimi told Voice of Emirates that “decisions concerning the Southern Transitional Council can only be made by the Council in its entirety, under the leadership of President Aidarus Qasim al-Zubaidi.” He clarified that any political discussions or outcomes will be handled within the established institutional frameworks. He added that any decisions will be made immediately upon the release of the Southern Transitional Council delegation currently detained in Riyadh. He emphasized that the Council will continue its positive and constructive engagement with various political initiatives, ensuring the right of the people of South Yemen to determine their own future.
Riyadh delegation file
The Southern Transitional Council (STC) had previously announced that it was sending a high-level delegation of more than 50 people, headed by the council’s Secretary-General, Sheikh Abdulrahman Shaher al-Subaihi, to the Saudi capital, Riyadh, on January 6 and 7. The aim was to participate in a planned southern dialogue under Saudi auspices. However, the council accused Saudi authorities of arbitrarily detaining members of the delegation, transferring some of them to unknown locations, and cutting off all communication with them. The STC demanded their immediate release and held Riyadh fully responsible for their safety.
Al-Zubaidi continues his duties from Aden
In a related development, the Southern Transitional Council (STC) affirmed that its president, Aidarus al-Zubaidi, continues to perform his duties normally from the capital, Aden. He oversees the work of military, security, and civilian institutions and monitors the security, service, and overall stability situation in the southern governorates. The STC categorically denied reports of al-Zubaidi’s “escape” or “flight,” describing them as attempts at disinformation that do not reflect the reality on the ground. The STC also emphasized that the southern leadership continues to carry out its political and administrative duties without interruption.
