Southern movement rejects Riyadh agreements, condemns closed-door deals

ADEN, May 22 (YPA) – A southern movement faction participating in the National Dialogue Conference and signatory to the Peace and Partnership Agreement described Yemeni unity as one of the most significant national and Islamic achievements in the country’s modern history, stressing that preserving it remains a national necessity and an inherent right for all Yemenis.

In a statement issued on the occasion of the 36th anniversary of Yemeni Unity on May 22, the group called for confronting conspiracies and challenges targeting unity, including attempts to exploit domestic issues — particularly the southern issue — for political purposes.

The statement also reiterated its rejection of the so-called southern dialogue held in Riyadh, arguing that any political, economic, or other agreements produced under conditions of “aggression, occupation, and siege” are unacceptable and non-binding on Yemen and its people.

The group said Yemeni unity gained renewed significance following the September 21 revolution and praised the leadership it said had sought to address past mistakes and promote equal citizenship and social justice.

It added that this, according to the statement, prompted external aggression and pressure against Yemen.

At the same time, the faction acknowledged what it described as “wrong and irresponsible practices” committed by the former regime, saying such actions had negatively affected the image of unity after its declaration on May 22, 1990. Nevertheless, it maintained that unity remains an exceptional milestone in Yemeni history.

The statement concluded by extending congratulations to leader of Yemen’s Ansarullah movement Sayyed Abdul-Malik al-Houthi, and the President Supreme Political Council, Mahdi al-Mashat, the armed forces, security services, and the Yemeni people on the anniversary of unity.