RIYADH, Jan. 18 (Xinhua) -- A forum bringing together political, tribal and social leaders from southern Yemen to discuss the region's future opened here on Sunday under Saudi auspices.
The Southern Consultative Meeting aim to forge a unified vision for southern Yemen as part of efforts to reach a broader political settlement and enhance security and stability in Yemen and the region.
At the opening session, Abdul Rahman Abu Zaraa al-Muharrami, a member of Yemen's Presidential Leadership Council (PLC), said the consultations sought to unite representatives from all southern governorates around a common political path that avoids escalation and division, and is based on inclusive dialogue and partnership.
Ahmed Tuhaif, a member of the coordination team of a southern national initiative, said the meeting had launched an unconditional dialogue and laid the groundwork for a peaceful, civilian-led process, according to state media.
A statement issued after the meeting reaffirmed Saudi Arabia's continued support for southern security forces, including the payment of salaries, capacity-building and backing efforts to protect the south from threats posed by the Houthi movement and militant groups.
Participants called on the international community to support the dialogue, respect southern Yemeni aspirations and back Saudi-led efforts as a practical framework for achieving lasting peace and stability in southern Yemen and the wider region.
Tensions have escalated in southern Yemen since December, when pro-secession forces led by the Southern Transitional Council (STC) launched a military offensive in the eastern provinces of Hadramout and al-Mahrah. The advance prompted Saudi air strikes that forced STC fighters to withdraw not only from those provinces but also from Aden, the seat of Yemen's internationally recognised government, where the STC had wielded significant influence.
After the escalation, the PLC also expelled STC leader Aidarous al-Zubaidi and his ally Salem al-Khanbashi, the former governor of Hadramout. A statement issued by an STC delegation in Riyadh announced its self-dissolution, a claim denied by STC members inside Yemen.
Al-Zubaidi, who media reports said had fled to the United Arab Emirates following the Saudi air strikes, reaffirmed his commitment to an "independent southern Yemeni state" in a brief statement posted on Sunday. It was his first public comment since reports emerged that he had left the country. ■
