New York (South24 Center)

In his address to the United Nations Security Council on Wednesday evening (September 24), Aidrous Al-Zubaidi, President of the Southern Transitional Council (STC) and Vice President of Yemen’s Presidential Leadership Council, stated that Artificial Intelligence represents a radical transformation in the contemporary world, offering significant opportunities for development and innovation, but warned that it could also become a dangerous tool if exploited by terrorist groups.

In his address during a high-level open debate in the UNSC, Al-Zubaidi pointed out that the Iranian-backed Houthi militia have already employed this technology for media disinformation and propaganda campaigns, and are on way to developing autonomous weapon systems that threaten regional and international security.

Al-Zubaidi emphasized that dealing with artificial intelligence should not be reduced to a purely technical matter but should be regarded as an issue of national sovereignty and dignity. He warned that if this technology falls into the hands of external actors, it could threaten the stability of fragile states.

Al-Zubaidi outlined four priorities for the responsible use of Artificial Intelligence: supporting development and essential services, enhancing local peace, protecting regional and international security, and monitoring ceasefires.

He also called for cooperation with the Presidential Leadership Council in the fields of technological capabilities and Artificial Intelligence.

President Al-Zubaidi concluded his remarks by stressing that Artificial Intelligence must be an aid in achieving justice, enforcing the law, and guaranteeing peoples’ right to self-determination, in accordance with the principles of the United Nations Charter

Also on Wednesday, Al-Zubaidi reaffirmed the Southern Transitional Council’s commitment to the "independence" and "restoration of the Southern state”, expressing hope that its flag would soon be raised at the United Nations headquarters.

In an interview with Sky News Arabia from New York, Al-Zubaidi revealed that the Yemeni Presidential Council has prepared a comprehensive strategy to deter the Houthis politically, economically, and militarily. However, he noted that the international and regional community "has not yet engaged with it."

He added, "A military operation supported by the Arab and international coalition must be launched to end Houthi control over the entire territory of Yemen."

Al-Zubaidi indicated that the end of the Houthis would pave the way for a two-state solution—"a Southern state and a Northern state, so that we may live in harmony and peace." He stated that "the independence of the South is a fixed goal," and that the Transitional Council is seeking to restore the Southern state’s membership in the United Nations and raise its flag once again.

Regarding internal disagreements within the Presidential Leadership Council, Al-Zubaidi explained that his recent decisions regarding appointments in Southern ministries, agencies, and governorates were made "after state and government institutions became weak and ineffective."

He revealed a "failure within the Leadership Council to achieve consensus," citing the absence of a "participatory decision-making mechanism." He accused certain parties within the Council of unilaterally issuing "thousands of individual decisions" without the knowledge of other members, stating, "There is unilateral decision-making within the Presidential Council, and we will not allow it."

In a related context, Al-Zubaidi stressed that certain political forces "do not want the Council’s government to succeed in serving the citizens," warning that the continuation of the current situation "will compel us to call on political forces to hold democratic elections to form a strong and effective government."

On a separate note, Al-Zubaidi condemned the assassination of human rights activist Afthan Al-Mashhadi in Taiz, stating that she was killed by "gangs supported by political forces." He pointed out that the "elimination of the main suspect in the case aims to conceal evidence." He accused the Muslim Brotherhood of expanding control over the city of Taiz amid "the government’s weak role."

Al-Zubaidi also stated that the Transitional Council faces "threats from ISIS, Al-Qaeda, and the Muslim Brotherhood," emphasizing the need for international support to counter these threats.

Separately, in an interview to The National, Al-Zubaidi said that an independent South Yemen would pave the way for establishing relations with Israel.

Al-Zubaidi said that all the conditions were in place for statehood and added that secession would allow the South to make its own foreign policy decisions, including the option of joining the Abraham Accords.

“Before the events in Gaza, we were advancing towards joining the Abraham Accords,” he said. “If Gaza and Palestine regain their rights, the Accords will be essential for stability in the region. When we have our southern state, we will make our own decisions and I believe we will be part of these accords.”

Al-Zubaidi is in New York alongside Council Chairman Rashad Al-Alimi, Council member Abdullah Al-Alimi, and Foreign Minister Shaya Al-Zindani to participate in the UN General Assembly meetings.

The Yemeni officials have held joint and separate meetings with leaders and officials from several countries.