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Does Russia seek return of independent South Yemen?

Russia is tacitly stepping up its efforts to engage with the UAE in Yemen and reach out to the Southern Transitional Council, which favors the reestablishment of an independent South Yemen.
Members of the Southern Transitional Council (STC) gather for the second session of the STC's national assembly in Mukalla on February 16, 2019. (Photo by Saleh Al-OBEIDI / AFP)        (Photo credit should read SALEH AL-OBEIDI/AFP/Getty Images)

Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov toured Egypt and Jordan from April 5 to 7. Lavrov raised the issue of the war in Yemen and its reconciliation process, among other issues, with Egyptian colleagues. At a press conference with Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry, Lavrov reiterated Russia’s support for the Stockholm agreement on Yemen.

“In general, the cease-fire is observed, although it has been broken several times," Lavrov said. "The sides accuse each other of initiating violence. Moreover, the sides have failed to separate forces in the Hodeidah region. However, we expect the UN mission formed specifically for the resolution in Hodeidah, as well as the UN special envoy for Yemen Martin Griffiths, to continue their work. As with any other conflict, here the only way to achieve peace is for the Yemenis themselves to find an agreement. Any external party able to influence various local groups should encourage them to negotiate instead of provoking violence.”

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