Riyadh (South24) 

A short while ago, STC President Aidrous Al-Zubaidi arrived in the Saudi capital Riyadh on an official visit at the invitation of the Kingdom, according to an informed source who spoke to "South24".

The STC official spokesperson Ali Al-Kathiri said earlier that "this visit comes within the framework of continuous communication and consultation between the STC leadership and the leadership of the Arab coalition led by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia."

Al-Zubaidi was accompanied by a number of prominent leaders in the STC including Dr. Nasser Al-Khubaji, head of the STC's negotiation team, and other personalities.

The visit is expected to discuss completing the implementation of the Riyadh Agreement signed between the STC and the Yemeni government in November 2019, and the latest developments in the Yemeni scene, according to STC's sources.

Last Wednesday, the STC announced its readiness to "complete the implementation of the Agreement" but accused "other parties" in the government of seeking to obstruct the implementation of the agreement, referring to the Yemeni branch of the Muslim Brotherhood the Islah part.

At the time, the STC threatened to withdraw from the South and North parity government in which it has a share of five cabinets.

This visit comes in light of international efforts to achieve peace, which has faltered in Yemen for seven years, and the deteriorating economic conditions experienced by the people in South Yemen.

Al-Zubaidi had met the UN Envoy to Yemen Hans Grundberg last Thursday. He renewed his support for "the Envoy's efforts towards a comprehensive negotiating process that reflects the reality of the parties on the ground."

Grundberg also discussed with Foreign Minister Ahmed bin Mubarak on November 7 in Aden the latest developments in his political efforts and moves aimed at ending the war at the national level, stopping the escalation in Marib, resuming the political track and restoring stability to Yemen, according to the government-affiliated Saba Agency.

On November 10, the ambassadors of the missions of the five permanent members to Yemen renewed their support for the efforts of the UN envoy to Yemen, as well as support for the "legitimate government."

They called on "all Yemeni parties to engage in a genuine dialogue in order to reach a comprehensive political solution to end the crisis in Yemen and alleviate the human suffering of its people."

STC Presidency member Ali Al-Kathiri confirmed - earlier - that the STC looks forward to working with the UN Envoy for the success of efforts to achieve a just and comprehensive peace that guarantees the people of South to achieve their legitimate will.

In the context of achieving peace and the possibility of achieving it, Grundberg said upon taking office, "I accept this responsibility with full understanding of the scale of the task, the complexity of the situation and the challenges that lie ahead. Nevertheless, I assure you that I will do everything in my power to contribute to a lasting and just peace in Yemen."

The STC had called early on towards achieving peace and stopping the war. They conducted many discussions and international visits to explain the consequences of South's absence from any prospective political solution.

Observers expect that this visit will reflect on the military and political scene in South Yemen, in light of accusations of the recognized government of "failure", and after accusations of the "National Army" of handing over the Beihan districts of Shabwa to the Houthis, and the escalation of Houthi threats to South, which is located on international shipping lines .

The Fanar Center for Policy Research director, Izzat Mustafa, believes that this will either be "to slow down a round of conflict with an incomplete political settlement, or to strengthen the Arab Coalition for its role in Yemen in confronting the Iranian project by redistributing the hierarchy of allies at home from the forces that imposed themselves on the ground and which are difficult to bypass in any upcoming political process,” according to statements carried by the London-based Al-Arab newspaper. 

South24 Center for News and Studies

Photo: STC delegation in Aden minutes before heading to Riyadh, on November 15, 2021 (official)