Cairo: Yemen’s Southern Transitional Council (STC) has welcomed the announcement of a new government equally representing the country’s south and north under a long-delayed deal.
Yemeni President Abd Rabbo Mansour Hadi has decreed the formation of the 24-member government, led by previous prime minister Maeen Abdulmalik Saeed, in line with a power-sharing pact mediated by Saudi Arabia.
In November last year, the Yemeni government and the STC signed the accord, officially dubbed the Riyadh Agreement, which ended a months-long feud between both sides to refocus efforts on fighting Al Houthi militia.
Deputy Secretary-General of the STC Presidency Fadl Mohammed has described the new government as “pivotal step towards consolidating partnership” in the country.
Ending war
“The 1,000-mile journey towards ending war and the coup as well as reaching the political solution starts with the prompt implementation of the provisions of the Riyadh Agreement,” he added in a statement.
“Anyone refusing this does not care at all about the situation of the country and the need of people in the north and south for peace and stability,” Mohammed added.
The Riyadh Agreement provides for forming a 24-strong government equally composed from Yemen’s southern and northern provinces, excluding Al Houthis.
The rebels, aligned with Iran, have plunged Yemen into a devastating conflict after they staged a coup against the internationally recognised government and overran the capital Sana’a in late 2014.
