The European Union (EU) mission in Yemen has reaffirmed its support for the Yemeni Presidential Council, emphasizing the importance of its cohesion and unity, during a meeting with Aidarus Al-Zubaidi, head of the Southern Transitional Council (STC) and a member of the Presidential Council, according to the official Yemeni news agency Saba

The meeting, held at the presidential palace in Aden on Tuesday, June 4th, comes amidst growing tensions within the Presidential Council, with Al-Zubaidi recently expressing concerns about the government's "incompetence and failure."

The EU mission highlighted its support for efforts to improve the humanitarian situation in Yemen, halt the economic collapse, and provide essential services like electricity. The meeting focused on the dire economic crisis caused by the suspension of oil and gas exports, as well as the humanitarian suffering in Aden and other provinces due to electricity and water shortages and delayed salary payments.

The EU mission and Al-Zubaidi also discussed the Central Bank's recent measures to counter Houthi interference in the Yemeni economy and the latest developments in the UN-led peace process.

Al-Zubaidi reiterated the importance of supporting the Presidential Council and the government in implementing these measures, emphasizing that they are crucial for subduing the Houthi group, which is classified as a terrorist organization by the international community. He stressed that stopping Houthi escalation and restraining their militias is a fundamental condition for any political process.

Al-Zubaidi's recent criticisms of the government, however, highlight the internal challenges facing the Presidential Council. He had previously stated that the current situation was unacceptable and that the STC's participation in the presidency and government was based on the desire to unify forces against the Houthis.

The EU's reaffirmation of its support for the Presidential Council comes at a crucial time, as the Yemeni government faces a complex political and economic landscape. The EU's commitment to the unity and cohesion of the Presidential Council is seen as a crucial step towards achieving a lasting peace in Yemen.