1st LD: Yemen's Houthi group announces formation of presidential council

The Shiite Houthi group announced Friday the formation of a presidential council to take over power from the presidency, a move further deepens the chaos after Yemen's president and premier submitted resignation last month.

In a "constitutional declaration" aired by the state television controlled by the Houthi group, the group said a national presidential council comprised of five members will be formed to replace the presidency to run the country in the next transition period.

Meanwhile, the Houthi group said the Supreme Revelotionary Commiite will establish a transition council comprised of 551 members to replace the parliament which is currently under control of former President Ali Abdullah Saleh.

Government sources said the Houthi's declaration is unilateral without reaching a consensus with other political parties. However, some senior officials including the defense minister and interior minister of the outgoing government were seen attending the meeting held in the Republican Palace in Sanaa.

Yemeni President Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi and Prime Minister Khaled Bahah submitted their resignations late last month amid a standoff with the Houthi group which has controlled the capital since September 2014.

Yemen's political parties have been holding consultations brokered by U.N. envoy Jamal Benomar for more than two weeks, aiming to reach a consensus to fill the power vacuum. Endit