China defends blocking move to list Azhar Masood as global-terrorist
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi has defended Beijing's repeated blockage of India's bids at the United Nations to list chief of Pakistan-based militant group Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), Azhar Masood as a global terrorist. He argued the issue lacks "consensus" among the UN Security Council members as well as the "directly concerned" parties - India and Pakistan. Azhar is accused of several deadly terrorist attacks.
US, Britain support move to enlist Masood as global terrorist
A veto-wielding permanent member of UN SecUrity Council, China, has repeatedly blocked India's move, which is supported by US, Britain, and France, to designate Azhar, a terrorist under the al-Qaeda Sanctions Committee of the UN Security Council. Azhar is accused of the 2016 Uri attack.
JeM already listed under banned terror outfits by UN
The JeM, founded by Azhar, has already been in the UN's list of banned terror outfits. "If all parties come to a consensus, we'll support it. But it's the parties that are rightly concerned who aren't coming around to the same conclusion like India, Pakistan doesn't have the same conclusions," Wang said in response to a question on China defending Masood in the UNSC.
We'll stay in close touch with India: Wang
Wang said if the parties "directly concerned" are able to come to a consensus, then "together we will be able to push the process forward". "We'll stay in close touch with India on this... We hope to see an early consensus," he added.
Not enough evidence to prove Masood is terrorist, says Wang
Wang argued at the 73rd annual session of UNGA that listing of terrorists should be based on proof and claimed that there is not enough evidence against Masood. "Whether these people are terrorists or not, there should be solid facts and proof. If there is irrefutable evidence, no one can turn its back on it. I don't think Pakistan will do that," he asserted.
Wang praised Pakistan for its fight against terrorism
Wang also praised Pakistan, considered China's all-weather ally, for its fight against terrorism. "We've been supporting and encouraging Pakistan in its efforts in fighting terrorism... Years ago, at the request of US, Pakistan participated in the fight against al-Qaeda in Afghanistan. It paid a heavy price for that. We believe that there should be a fair judgment of what they (Pakistan) did," Wang said.
