Gargash: Yemeni govt, STC must engage in Saudi initiative to reduce tension

It is important that the Yemeni government and the Southern Transitional Council (STC) engage in the Saudi initiative aimed at avoiding escalation and reducing tension, the UAE’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Anwar Gargash said on Sunday.

In a series of tweets on his official account, Gargash reaffirmed that the UAE, as part of the Arab Coalition, will continue to fight the re-emergence of terror in Yemen, adding that the “coalition, led by Saudi Arabia, is solid and vital to regaining peace and stability.”

The STC is part of the Arab Coalition supporting the legitimate government in Yemen against the Iran-backed Houthis, however, recent events saw the council attempting to take control over Aden.

In August, the head of the STC went along with a delegation to the Saudi city of Jeddah after accepting the Kingdom’s invitation for talks regarding the Yemeni port city of Aden.

Tensions south of the country were heightened after the STC- who seeks self-rule- seized the interim capital Aden earlier this month.  Forces loyal to Yemen’s internationally recognized government had entered the city, taking back control of several sites, and securing districts.

Saudi Arabia called for a summit to end the standoff, which has complicated UN efforts to end the war in Yemen. But Hadi’s government said it would not participate until the STC cedes control of sites they have seized.