Cairo, Aden – Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and Arab League warned against the separation calls in Yemen and reiterated the importance of uniting around the legitimacy.
GCC member states collectively adopted firm stance towards the unity and sovereignty of the Republic of Yemen and to called for preserving security and stability in the country.
GCC renewed support for the United Nations efforts to reach a peaceful solution to the Yemeni crisis based on the GCC sponsored initiative with its executive mechanism, outputs of the Yemeni National Dialogue Conference, and UN Security Council Resolutions no. 2216.
GCC Secretary-General Abdullatif bin Rashid al-Zayani, stressed that the GCC countries call upon all Yemenis, at this delicate stage in the history of Yemen, to reject division and secession and to stand firmly behind and around the legitimacy of the internationally recognized government led by President Hadi, according to a press statement issued to Saudi Press Agency (SPA).
Yemenis must reunite around the legitimacy in order to extend the state authority and sovereignty and restore security and stability in all Yemeni territories.
GCC Sec-Gen hoped this would bring normalcy back to the country so that Yemeni people may complete the implementation of the outputs of the comprehensive national dialogue that addressed all Yemeni issues, including the South issue.
He stressed that all intentions to solve such an issue must be done through the Yemeni legitimacy and consensus which is represented in the national dialogue outcomes.
In a statement, Arab League Secretary-General Ahmed Abul Gheit urged Yemeni people to unite during this difficult moment to avoid division.
Abdul Gheit asked all Yemenis “to pursue solidarity and unity in this hard moment to spare the country the risks of division.”
Arab League Spokesperson Minister Mahmooud Afifi reported that Abul Gheit was “disturbed” by recent developments in Yemen.
Afifi said that the priority now should be to stand against illegitimate forces and aim to reach a comprehensive political settlement in the country based on the UN Resolution 2216, outcomes of national dialogue, and the GCC initiative.
“Opening up a new front leads to create more divisions and prolong the conflict in the country,” he warned.
Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) renewed its strong commitment to stand with Yemen’s unity, sovereignty, political independence and territorial integrity and solidarity with the Yemeni people in their aspiration for freedom, democracy, social justice and comprehensive development.
OIC Secretary-General Yousef bin Ahmed al-Othaimeen stressed that the organization is committed to supporting the legitimate government in Yemen in line with the resolutions of the Islamic Summit and the resolutions of the Council of Foreign Ministers.
Othaimeen called on all Yemeni parties to stand with legitimacy and reject the calls of division through effective response to international initiatives aimed at reaching a compromise to the Yemeni crisis.
Any unilateral action outside the scope of legitimacy will lead to further fragmentation and disintegration within the one Yemeni entity and will prolong the conflict, according to Othaimeen.
Meanwhile, local councils and executive bureau of Aden governorate, south of Yemen, announced their support to the statement of President Abd Rabbu Mansour Hadi following his meeting with his advisors.
The local authority announced its commitment to the outcomes of the meeting and lauded the efforts of President Hadi to reach a just solution to the southern issue, according to Saba news agency.
In Taiz, the military council asserted its support to the legitimacy, represented by President Hadi, and the outcomes of national dialogue. The council reiterated its support to all goals and efforts to curb all insurgents in the city.
The military council stated its belief in a fair solution based on the three references and praised the continuous support of Saudi-led coalition.