The Presidium of the Southern Transitional Council (STC) held its regular meeting today, Thursday, chaired by Mr. Ali Abdullah Al-Kathiri, Acting President of the STC and Chairman of the National Assembly, in the presence of the STC's ministers in the government and heads of the auxiliary bodies.

In the beginning of the meeting, the presidium expressed its deep appreciation and admiration for the crowds led by the syndicates, civil society organizations, and the general federation of workers' unions of the South, who rallied in the capital, Aden, and Hadramaut Governorate to protest the deteriorating living conditions, injustice, and rampant corruption, applauding the sense of national responsibility displayed by these crowds in peacefully expressing their legitimate demands.

The Presidium highlighted that the large crowds from all segments of Southern society reflect the extent of suffering faced by citizens due to the persistent crises, affirming that the STC's leadership is fully aware of the responsibilities they have been shouldered with and is committed to expressing the aspirations of our people of the South and defending their rights and working with all its capabilities to address the challenges that affect their daily lives.

In this context, the Presidium emphasized that the South's partnership in the Presidential Leadership Council (PLC) and the government necessitate a new formulation to suit the current reality on the ground of the South. This partnership must be based on equitable foundations that ensure effective participation in making major decisions that impact the fate of its people, achieving justice and equality in all fields, and guaranteeing their right to actively participate in governing the affairs of their homeland.

In another context, the Presidium discussed the latest developments in the national economic file, with a focus on the oil and minerals sector. In this regard, it expressed its categorical rejection of the measures taken against the Yemen Investment Company for Oil and Minerals (YICOM) and the attempt to impose management on the company from outside the oil concession areas. This, the Presidium argued, is part of a broader and systematic campaign against the South, and Shabwah governorate in particular.

The Presidium further emphasized its outright rejection of ongoing attempts to pass illegal agreements that contravene all official directives and decisions, asserting that the STC will never allow such measures to proceed, and called for a comprehensive and detailed investigation into Block 5 in Shabwah Governorate and all related activities over the decades until today.

At the end of its meeting, the Presidium discussed a series of topics on its agenda, in addition to incorporating a range of assignments and decisions.