NO CHANGE IN STANCE ON MASOOD AZHAR AT UN: CHINA

BEIJING: China on Thursday signalled it will continue to block a Us-backed resolution to sanction Pakistan-based JEM chief Masood Azhar at the UN Security Council, saying there is “absence of consensus” among member countries to declare him an international terrorist.

“It is a fact that the committee is yet to reach agreement,” its foreign ministry said. On Monday, it cited lack of “solid proof” against Azhar, accused by India of masterminding the terror attack on the Pathankot airbase in 2016, as the reason for its stubborn insistence on blocking the move.

There was more of the same when the issue was raised at the regular foreign ministry news briefing on Thursday.

“We raised a technical hold so as to allow the UN Security Council committee and all members to deliberate on this matter. But there is still an absence of consensus (among member countries),” spokesperson Hua Chunying said. “The 1267 Committee (which imposes sanctions on terror organisations) has its rules of procedure and it has yet to reach a consensus, there are still disagreements,” she said.

“China’s actions are meant to ensure we safeguard the authority and effectiveness of this committee and we will continue to follow the mandate of the committee and rules of procedure.”

Officials in India believe China is acting at the behest of Pakistan.

External affairs ministry spokesman Raveesh Kumar expressed deep disappointment.

“We are deeply disappointed that once again, a single country has blocked international consensus on the designation of an acknowledged terrorist and leader of Un-designated terrorist organisation, Masood Azhar.

“India strongly believes double standards and selective approach will only undermine the international community’s resolve to combat terrorism. We hope there will be a realisation that accommodating with terrorism for narrow objectives is both short-sighted and counter productive,” Kumar said.