STC Abandons Self-Rule in Southern Yemen

The Southern Transitional Council (STC) on Wednesday abandoned its declaration of self-rule in southern Yemen and pledged to implement the Riyadh Agreement with the legitimate government, announced spokesman Nizar Haitham.

The STC "announces that it is abandoning its self-rule declaration" to allow the implementation of a power-sharing deal known as the Riyadh Agreement, he wrote on Twitter.

He acknowledged the announcement came after Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates exerted pressure to row back on their decision and to ensure the success of the two countries in implementing the Riyadh Agreement.

Haitham said the STC’s announcement will also help unite joint efforts to confront the Iran-backed Houthi militias and terrorist organizations.

“We underline our ongoing strategic partnership with the Arab coalition on all political, military, economic and security levels through our common goals of combating Iranian meddling in the region and fighting terror groups,” he stated.

The STC announced self-governance in April after accusing the government of failing to perform its duties.

Saudi Arabia said it had proposed a plan to "accelerate" the implementation of the Riyadh Agreement, the official Saudi Press Agency reported early Wednesday.

The plan calls for the Yemeni prime minister to create a fresh government within 30 days, as well as the appointment of a new governor and security director for the de facto capital Aden.