President Al-Zubaidi Receives Head of EU Mission and Ambassadors of France, Germany, and the Netherlands
SMA NEWS – ADEN THE CAPITAL
President Aidarous Qassem Al-Zubaidi, President of the Southern Transitional Council (STC) and Vice Chairman of the Presidential Leadership Council (PLC), received today, Tuesday, in his office at the Presidential Palace in the capital, Aden, H.E. Gabriel Viñales, Head of the EU Mission to Yemen, and the ambassadors of France, Germany, and the Netherlands.
The meeting reviewed the repercussions of the economic crisis that the country is experiencing due to the continued suspension of oil and gas exports, the humanitarian suffering endured by citizens in the capital, Aden, and other governorates due to the electricity outages and water supplies, and the delay in paying salaries. In this regard, President Al-Zubaidi urged friends in European Union countries and donor countries to enhance their humanitarian support to alleviate the dire economic situation, stop the collapse of the local currency, and assist the government in assuming its responsibilities towards citizens.
Similarly, the meeting touched on the recent measures undertaken by the Central Bank board of directors to halt the Houthi’s tampering with the economy. In this regard, President Al-Zubaidi affirmed the unwavering support of the PLC and the government for these measures, considering them the optimal approach to subduing the Houthi militias and countering the financing of their terrorism.
Politically, the meeting discussed the latest developments related to the UN-led peace process to end the conflict and bring about peace to the country and the region, the UN roadmap and its ramifications in light of the persistent Houthi escalation in the Red Sea and the Bab al-Mandab Strait, as well as the ongoing mobilization and relentless assaults by these militias on the fronts of Al-Dhalea, Karsh, Shabwa, and Marib.
In this respect, President Al-Zubaidi reiterated his firm stance that a cessation of Houthi escalation and curbing the reins of their militias are fundamental prerequisites for any political process. In the same context, his excellency noted that the prospects for peace have diminished in the face of the intransigence of these militias and their determination to perpetuate their terrorism, which primarily targets our people and their food security.
In turn, the Head of the EU Mission and the attending ambassadors affirmed the unwavering support of their countries to the PLC, its cohesiveness, and its unified stance, reiterating their commitment to backing the ongoing efforts to alleviate the dire humanitarian situation, halt the economic collapse, and restore basic services to citizens, with electricity as a top priority.
The meeting was attended by Mr. Ali Al-Kathiri, a member of the STC’s Presidium and Chairman of the National Assembly, Dr. Nasser Al-Khubaji, Head of the Political Commission and Head of the Negotiations Affairs Unit in the STC, Dr. Saleh Mohsen Al-Haj, Director of the Foreign Affairs and Expatriates Authority in the STC, and Mr. Imad Muhammad, Director of the Office of the Vice Chairman of the PLC, Ambassador Jamal Awad Nasser, Advisor to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, and Ambassador Muthanna Al-Amiri, Head of the International Organizations Department at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
