Aden -- The Southern Transitional Council (STC) in Yemen announced on Friday the beginning of a two-year transitional phase, urging the international community to oversee a comprehensive dialogue between stakeholders in both North and South Yemen, according to Sky News Arabia.

In an official statement, STC President Aidarous al-Zubaidi declared: “We announce the start of a two-year transitional phase”, emphasizing the Council’s call for international sponsorship of dialogue to establish mechanisms that safeguard the rights of the southern people within the set timeframe. 

He highlighted the need for a public referendum to exercise the right to self-determination through peaceful, transparent, and internationally recognized practices, with the participation of international observers.

Al-Zubaidi further stressed that during the transitional phase, and in the period leading up to it, all state institutions, government bodies, and local authorities must continue their work normally, improve living conditions and services, and ensure regular payment of salaries. 

He underscored the importance of organizing revenue collection through the Central Bank in Aden, which he described as an independent central authority.