Aden| South24

The Southern Transitional Council, the most prominent political institution in South Yemen, welcomed the announcement by the Arab coalition to halt its military operations for two weeks, stressing the council's readiness to participate in "setting joint measures" that lead to peace.

A statement of the General Department of Foreign Affairs of the Southern Transitional Council said Thursday evening, that the Southern Transitional Council affirms the necessity of a clear mechanism to ensure the success of the ceasefire, and confirms its readiness to discuss the appropriate mechanism for a ceasefire on the fronts where the southern forces and the southern resistance defend .

At the same time, the Council also affirmed "its responsibility to protect the population in the south from any new military escalation."

"It has become more necessary than ever to move towards a sustainable solution. With this, the Southern Transitional Council welcomed the call by the United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres of all warring parties to commit to an immediate ceasefire," the statement said.

STC: "The real representation of the South issue and its representative ,the Southern Transitional Council, in the political process is the guarantor of its success and continuity."

The statement recalled the invitation of the President of the Southern Transitional Council, Major General Aidros Al-Zubaidi, on March 22, to "all political forces to overcome all differences and unite efforts to cooperate and join forces to confront the pandemic of the emerging Coronavirus, in addition to his call in the same speech by all parties and international stakeholders to play their role and assume their responsibilities in Facing this exceptional humanitarian and health situation. "

The Council expressed its readiness to participate constructively in setting up joint procedures that would facilitate and implement the invitation of the United Nations Secretary-General.

"this is not just an opportunity to confront the Coronavirus pandemic only, but to breathe new life into the political process, as it truly gives everyone an opportunity for a comprehensive and lasting ceasefire, and to agree on constructive steps to reach a comprehensive political process." said the STC.

Riyadh Agreement

The Southern Transitional Council renewed its commitment to the Riyadh agreement "as a springboard for the resumption of UN-led political talks."

The Council called on the Arab alliance, led by Saudi Arabia and the Emirates, to activate the implementation of the Riyadh Agreement through a real and serious endeavor adopted by the two brotherly countries.

The Southern Transitional Council appreciated the efforts of the Special Envoy of the Secretary-General, Martin Griffic, noting that "the true representation of the cause of the South and its representative, the Southern Transitional Council in the political process, is the guarantor of its success and continuity."

The statement concluded the STCs affirmation of "its complete adherence to the right of the southern people and their legitimate aspirations to determine their own destiny, protect their interests, and provide a way of life and decent living."

The Arab coalition announced on Wednesday evening, through its spokesman, Colonel Turki Al-Maliki, to announce a comprehensive cease-fire in Yemen for a period of two weeks.