Riyadh Conference to Resolve the Southern Issue: Widespread Arab and International Welcome

The Arab political arena witnessed a broad and positive response to Saudi Arabia's invitation to hold a comprehensive conference in Riyadh dedicated to addressing the "Southern Issue" in Yemen, in response to the official request submitted by the head of the Yemeni Presidential Leadership Council, Dr. Rashad al-Alimi. This step comes at a critical juncture in the Yemeni conflict, reflecting the pivotal role the Kingdom plays in maintaining regional stability.

Arab League: Rejects the fait accompli policy

In this context, the Secretary-General of the League of Arab States, Ahmed Aboul Gheit, welcomed the invitation, emphasizing that Saudi Arabia's swift response reflects the Kingdom's commitment to Yemeni unity. In his statement, Aboul Gheit noted that the Southern issue has historical dimensions and legitimate grievances that cannot be ignored, but its resolution must be achieved through comprehensive national dialogue, not by imposing a fait accompli. He warned that unilateral actions could be counterproductive, further fragmenting the country and dismantling its institutions, and reiterated the Arab League's firm resolutions supporting Yemen's unity and territorial integrity.

Historical context and strategic importance

This call gains its importance from the depth of the southern issue , which is a fundamental pillar of the Yemeni crisis, as its roots go back to after the achievement of Yemeni unity in 1990 and the political and military events that followed, most notably the summer war of 1994. This issue has always been a focus of discussions in previous national dialogue conferences and the Riyadh Agreement.

Observers believe that holding this conference in Riyadh presents a golden opportunity to unify the internal front against the Houthi coup, as continued divisions within the legitimate government could weaken its negotiating position in any future comprehensive political settlement. Furthermore, stability in the southern governorates is crucial for securing international waterways in the Red Sea and the Bab al-Mandab Strait.

Islamic and Gulf support for dialogue efforts

For his part, the Secretary-General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, Hussein Ibrahim Taha, praised Saudi Arabia's wise and insightful approach to containing crises, emphasizing that inclusive dialogue is the only way to achieve lasting peace. He was joined in this view by the Secretary-General of the Muslim World League, Sheikh Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa, who commended the continued Saudi approach of supporting the Yemeni people in all their diversity to ensure security and stability.

At the Gulf level, Qatar expressed its appreciation for this step, with the Qatari Ministry of Foreign Affairs welcoming the legitimate government's efforts to address the southern issue. Doha, in its statement, warned against the dangers of unilateral declarations made without consultation, stressing the need to adhere to the outcomes of the National Dialogue as a framework for consensus that preserves Yemen's sovereignty and unity and supports international efforts aimed at ending the crisis peacefully.