Arab Council chief arrives in Yemen ahead of UN summit

Zayani offers his support for ‘honourable solution’ in Yemen Secretary General of Arab Gulf Cooperation Council, Abdul Latif Al Zayani, has arrived in the Yemeni capital, Sanaa, ahead of a United Nations Security Council summit on Sunday to monitor national dialogue through the country’s transitional period.
Yemen’s official news agency reported that Zayani had assured President Abed Rabbo Mansour Hadi of the Arab Council’s support.
Speaking after a meeting with Zayani, President Hadi expressed his “appreciation for the GCC’s continuous efforts in standing by Yemen and its support in getting Yemen out the current crisis.” Hadi reaffirmed his desire to see an “honourable solution and safe transition in Yemen,” despite the current “complex circumstances.”
Zayani’s visit comes ahead of a landmark UN meeting in Sanaa on Sunday, as President Hadi meets with state and international officials to discuss the transfer of power in Yemen.
Meetings are expected to culminate in a Security Council statement later, confirming the body’s commitment to a “peaceful transition” in Yemen. The UN has previously urged all political parties in the country to engage in “comprehensive national dialogue” on military, security and administrative issues.
Yemeni authorities have meanwhile introduced strict security measures to protect the summit. The use of motorcycle is reportedly prohibited, to limit the risk of potential terrorist attacks by al-Qaeda militants. Reports indicate a heavy police presence throughout Sanaa over the weekend.
Southern political factions also repeated demands for seccession from northern Yemen, reportedly refusing to engage in any national dialogue talks, which are expected in March. The UN is expected to pressure southern leaders to participate over the weekend.
UN Envoy to Yemen, Jamal Benomar, has meanwhile renewed calls for southern participation.
Political blocs inside southern Yemen have called on supporters to join mass rallies in Aden, the largest city in the south of the country, on Sunday and Monday, in favour of secession.
North and South Yemen were reunified as a single state in 1990.