Turkey concerned about latest developments in Yemen

By Jeyhun Aliyev

ANKARA (AA) - Turkey on Tuesday voiced concern about latest developments in Yemen where country's United Arab Emirates-backed Southern Transitional Council (STC) declared self-governance.

"In this time of coronavirus pandemic, the need to deal with the extremely grave humanitarian crisis in the country is more pressing than ever," the Foreign Ministry statement said.

The ministry said it expects all parties to make efforts in a "unified and cooperative manner" in order to relieve the suffering of the Yemeni people, to avoid acts that would further deepen the humanitarian and political crisis and disrupt Yemen’s political unity and territorial integrity, and to comply with the cease-fire.

"Turkey will continue supporting the UN-led peace efforts aimed at the resolution of the crisis in Yemen through inclusive dialogue and providing humanitarian assistance to this country," it added.

The separatist STC on Saturday night declared self-governance in southern Yemen.

The Yemeni government and five provinces in southern Yemen -- Hadhramaut, Shabwa, al-Mahra, Abyan and the administration of Socotra -- have rejected the STC's move.