Yemen’s Southern Transitional Council announced on Friday the start of a “transitional phase” aimed at ultimately achieving independence, a major escalation in the group’s efforts toward forming a breakaway state. 

What happened: STC chairman Aidarus al-Zoubaidi declared in an address from Aden the start of a two-year phase of dialogue between the relevant parties in northern and southern Yemen regarding the “paths and mechanisms that guarantee the right of the people of the south." The leader called for a popular referendum on “the right of self-determination for the people of the south.” 

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The Southern Transitional Council President @AidrosAlzubidi announces the launch of a two-year transitional phase in South Yemen, culminating in a referendum on........

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