The United States’ Concern with the Southern Transitional Council’s Announcement of “Self-Rule” in Southern Yemen

Michael R. Pompeo, Secretary of State

The United States is concerned with the recent actions of Yemen’s Southern Transitional Council (STC), including what the STC calls an announcement of “self-rule.” Such unilateral actions only exacerbate instability in Yemen. They are especially unhelpful at a time when the country is threatened by COVID 19 and also threaten to complicate the efforts of the UN Special Envoy to revive political negotiations between the government and the Houthi rebels. We call on the STC and the Republic of Yemen Government to reengage in the political process provided under the Riyadh Agreement.