In a move reflecting the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's continued commitment to supporting stability in Yemen and unifying its ranks, the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced the Kingdom's welcome of the request by the Chairman of the Yemeni Presidential Leadership Council, Dr. Rashad al-Alimi, to hold a comprehensive conference in Riyadh. This conference aims to bring together all southern factions at a single negotiating table to discuss just and sustainable solutions to the southern issue, ensuring the fulfillment of the legitimate aspirations of the people of southern Yemen.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs explained in an official statement that this step comes in direct response to a request from the Yemeni leadership, and stems from the Kingdom's firm conviction that the Southern issue is a just cause with deep historical and social dimensions. The statement emphasized that the only way to address this issue is through constructive dialogue within the framework of a comprehensive political solution to the Yemeni crisis, which aligns with the content of previous Ministry statements affirming the necessity of achieving justice for Southerners.
Historical context and roots of the issue
This call is particularly significant given the historical complexities of the Southern issue, which traces its roots back to the period following Yemeni unification in 1990 and the subsequent political and military events, most notably the 1994 civil war, which left a widespread sense of marginalization among Southerners. Over the years, numerous political entities have emerged representing the South, making the unification of their visions a major challenge for successive governments. The Saudi initiative today represents a continuation of previous efforts, most prominently the Riyadh Agreement, which sought to bridge the divide between the legitimate government and the Southern Transitional Council, with the aim of redirecting efforts toward restoring the state.
The importance of the conference and its expected impact
The holding of this conference in Riyadh carries extremely important political and strategic implications on several levels:
- Locally: The conference will work to end the state of divergence and disunity among the various southern components, thus strengthening the internal front of the Presidential Leadership Council and blocking any attempts to destabilize the liberated governorates.
- Regionally: Riyadh’s hosting of this event confirms the Kingdom’s pivotal role as a peacemaker and guarantor of stability in the region, as Saudi Arabia seeks to create the right atmosphere for a purely Yemeni-Yemeni dialogue, away from obstructive external interference.
- Internationally: The conference sends a reassuring message to the international community that the Yemeni parties, with the support of the coalition, are serious about reaching comprehensive political settlements that pave the way for a final end to the conflict.
The Kingdom concluded its statement by calling on all southern components to participate actively and positively in this conference, stressing its commitment to providing all facilities and the appropriate atmosphere to ensure the success of the dialogue, and to come up with a comprehensive vision that puts an end to conflicts and establishes a new phase of national partnership.
