RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Deputy Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman welcomed the formation the new Presidential Leadership Council in Yemen, calling the move an “historic and courageous step.”
Yemeni President Abed Rabbo Mansour Hadi launched the council on Thursday and transferred his powers to it on the final day of intra-Yemeni talks led by the Gulf Cooperation Council in Riyadh.
Prince Khalid said the council’s formation was made possible by the participation of representatives of many Yemeni parties, and received “unanimous support” from the international community.
“It is a pivotal moment that lays the foundations for a future of peace in Yemen and the region,” he said in a series of tweets.
The eight-member body, which will be headed by Rashad Al-Alimi and has the authority to manage the security, politics and military of the state, was widely welcomed by regional and international countries and organizations.
“This new chapter written by Yemenis requires all segments of Yemeni society to rise to the moment and take on the national responsibility of building a peaceful and happy future for Yemen, filled with pride, and blessed with safety and security, within its Arab Gulf community,” Prince Khalid said.
Hadi said the council was established to complete the implementation of the transition phase and will have the authority to negotiate with the Iran-backed Houthi militia to end the years-long conflict afflicting the nation.
Prince Khalid reaffirmed the military and political support of the Coalition to Restore Legitimacy in Yemen to the council until they reach a political solution to the war.
“The Yemeni people deserve to live in peace and dignity,” he added.
