China ‘working hard’ to blacklist Azhar

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Beijing: China Wednesday reiterated that it was “working hard” to resolve the matter of designating Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) chief, Masood Azhar, as a global terrorist and strongly criticised Washington’s statement about using “all available resources” to do so as counterproductive.
The US had circulated a draft resolution within the powerful 15-nation UN Security Council (UNSC) March 27 to list Azhar as a global terrorist.
Washington took the direct route to the UNSC after China March 13 put hold on an international proposal to list Azhar under the 1267 Al Qaeda Sanctions Committee of the Council.
China wasn’t pleased with the US move and said it would “complicate” the situation.
The US State Department Tuesday said it will “utilise all available resources” to ensure Azhar would be held accountable for terror attacks including the deadly suicide attack on a CRPF convoy in Pulwama in February. Responding to a question on the latest US statement, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson, Geng Shuang expressed Beijing’s displeasure at the development.
“China has been working hard with relevant sides and is making positive results. The US knows that very well. Under such circumstances, the US still insists on pushing the draft resolution, doesn’t make any sense.”
He reiterated that the US action was not consistent with UN rules and customary practice and set a bad precedent.
“It only complicates the issue. It is not conducive to peace and stability in south Asia. China will continue to adopt a constructive and responsible attitude to participate in discussions and deliberations on the designation issue. We hope there will be a proper solution to this issue,” he added.
China has so far blocked four bids at the UN to designate Masood Azhar a global terrorist.
On a separate question on Pakistan saying that so far no evidence has come out about JeM’s involvement in the Pulwama attack in Kashmir, Geng said Beijing’s stand remains consistent: India and Pakistan should resolve disputes through dialogue.
“On the recent incident in Kashmir, China has stated its position. We hope south Asia could maintain peace and stability and we hope India and Pakistan will engage in dialogue and through dialogue and consultation resolve outstanding issues,” Geng said.