The Yemeni legitimate government welcomed Saudi Arabia’s call to hold a meeting to address the Southern Transitional Council’s coup in the city of Aden.
However, it said that it would not take part in the talks before the STC complies with the Arab coalition demand to withdraw from all positions that it seized in the temporary Yemeni capital following four days of fighting against government forces last week.
The foreign ministry said in a tweet that separatists "must first commit to total withdrawal from areas forcibly seized by STC in past few days before [the] start of any talks."
The United Nations had “welcomed the initiative by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to convene a meeting in Jeddah between the relevant stakeholders to resolve their differences through dialogue.”
On Wednesday, government spokesperson Rajeh Badi confirmed the government's commitment to the Saudi-led Arab coalition's call for ceasefire.
Supporters of the STC, led by Aidarous al-Zubaidi, prepared to hold the “Million March of Empowerment and Persistence” in Aden Thursday.
Meanwhile, Interior Minister Ahmed al-Maysari sacked Major General Shalal Ali Shaya from his post as police chief in Aden. He also referred him to investigation for his direct role in the Aden coup.
The Interior Minister also fired the commander of special forces in Aden, Lahj Abin and Dhale, Major General Fadl Baesh, and Lahj chief of police, Brigadier General Saleh al-Sayyid, for failing to perform their duties during last week’s violence.
Last week, the STC assumed control of public institutions after days of fighting against government forces.
The government deemed the unrest a coup against it.
The violence in Aden died down after Saudi Arabia’s decisive intervention. The Saudi-led Arab coalition had called for an end to hostilities and withdrawal of the STC. It urged the rival parties to join the upcoming Saudi-hosted dialogue.
