Yemeni Foreign Minister Dr. Shaya al-Zindani affirmed that the recent developments in Yemen, specifically the courageous decision by the Southern Transitional Council leadership to dissolve the council, represent a pivotal turning point in the Yemeni crisis. Al-Zindani explained that this step reflects a profound political awareness of the sensitivity of the current phase and paves the way for a historic opportunity to launch a responsible national dialogue that will put the southern issue on the right track toward a just and comprehensive solution.
In press statements, the minister emphasized that the issue of the southern governorates is now entering a different and constructive phase, based primarily on the generous support of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the continued international support for opening a comprehensive path that addresses the root causes of the southern issue with a realistic and objective vision. He indicated that this new approach will give the people of the south a real and effective space to express their aspirations and political choices, thus ensuring a decent future that achieves stability and development.
The Saudi role and the Riyadh conference
In a post on his official X platform, Al-Zindani highlighted the importance of the remarks made by His Royal Highness Prince Khalid bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, the Saudi Minister of Defense, regarding the true path to resolving the Southern issue. He emphasized that the Saudi vision, embodied in the Riyadh Conference and supported by the international community, reflects the Kingdom's keenness and deep understanding of the importance of the Southern issue and its pivotal role in the Yemeni peace equation.
These moves come within the context of ongoing efforts led by Saudi Arabia to end the conflict in Yemen, where Riyadh has played a pivotal role since the beginning of the crisis in trying to bridge the divide between the various Yemeni factions. The upcoming Riyadh conference is a strategic step aimed at unifying ranks and directing efforts toward building the state and its institutions, moving away from the infighting that has burdened the Yemeni people for years.
The roots of the issue and the importance of a comprehensive solution
The Southern issue is of paramount importance in the Yemeni political landscape, its roots extending back to the period following Yemeni unification in 1990 and subsequent events, most notably the 1994 civil war, which left behind a complex web of political and social grievances. This issue has remained a major challenge to any political settlement in the country, making the current steps a necessary entry point for addressing historical injustices and ensuring equitable power-sharing and wealth distribution.
Observers believe that moving to a dialogue phase under Saudi and international auspices will contribute to strengthening regional stability, as the stability of Yemen, particularly the southern governorates overlooking vital international waterways like Bab al-Mandab, is a cornerstone of Arab and global national security. This political breakthrough is expected to positively impact the economic and living conditions of citizens and pave the way for reconstruction and development projects led by the Kingdom through the Saudi Program for the Development and Reconstruction of Yemen.
