China on Tuesday said that “positive progress” has been made to designate Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) chief Masood Azhar as a global terrorist by the UN, reports ANI. However, it did not give any timeline on the issue.
This was stated by the Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang days after President Xi Jinping met Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan at Beijing.
“We support the issue of listing of Masood Azhar which should be resolved through political consultation within the framework of 1267 Committee. We think that is also the consensus of the overwhelming majority of the members of the Council. At present, the relevant consultations are underway in the 1267 Committee and positive progress has been made,” said Shuang, adding, “We believe in the joint efforts of all parties. This problem can be properly solved.”
In March, China had, for the fourth time since 2009, single-handedly stalled the listing of Masood Azhar as a global terrorist at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) Resolution 1267 Sanctions Committee.
Following this, Chinese Ambassador to India Luo Zhaohui averred that the “Masood Azhar matter” on UNSC 1267 list will be resolved, adding that “this (Masood Azhar on UNSC 1267 list) is only a technical hold”.
The JeM had claimed the responsibility for the deadly Pulwama terror attack in which more than 40 CRPF personnel were killed and many injured. The Pakistan based terror outfit is responsible for many other terror attacks on the Indian soil.
Commenting on the outcome of the visit of Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan and his meeting with the Chinese President Xi Jinping and other senior leaders, Shuang said, “I would like to stress that Pakistan is China’s ‘All Weather Strategic Cooperative Partner’.
“Both the countries are ‘Iron Brothers’,” he said, adding that “We call on the international community to fairly and justly see Pakistan’s endeavours and contributions in counter-terrorism and step up dialogue and cooperation with the country,” he said.
(With PTI inputs)