<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/cyclone-fani-three-killed-heavy-rainfall-predicted-in-odisha-ap-bengal-northeast-215661">Three dead as Cyclone Fani heads to West Bengal; heavy rainfall predicted in Odisha, AP, Bengal, Northeast</a>

Three people have died as Cyclone Fani battered Odisha on Friday, news agency PTI reported quoting officials. India's Meteorological Department(IMD) in Hyderabad tracking cyclone Fani said winds have been blowing at a maximum speed of 240-245 km per hour with very heavy rains in Puri and is now likely moving towards West Bengal coast.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/new-evidence-paved-way-for-listing-of-masood-azhar-as-global-terrorist-diplomatic-source-to-wion-215671">New evidence paved way for listing of Masood Azhar as global terrorist: Diplomatic source to WION</a>

New Evidence was provided to the United Nations Security Council (UNSC)1267 committee after China had put a hold on March 13 on the listing of Masood Azhar as a global terrorist.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lanka-attack-mastermind-used-chatrooms-to-sway-suicide-bombers-215665">Sri Lanka attack mastermind used chatrooms to sway suicide bombers</a>

While Sri Lanka Easter suicide attacks mastermind&nbsp;Zahran Hashim&nbsp;used social media to publicly call for the death of non-Muslims, he worked for months in private chatrooms to persuade six young&nbsp;men to sacrifice themselves, Muslim community leaders say.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/un-rights-experts-cite-concern-at-disproportionate-assange-detention-215668">UN rights experts cite concern at 'disproportionate' Assange detention</a>

United Nations human rights experts voiced concern on Friday at what they called the "disproportionate sentence" of 50 weeks in prison imposed on WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange for skipping bail in Britain.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/fani-heading-towards-west-bengal-rain-lashes-city-215652">'Fani' heading towards West Bengal, rain lashes city</a>

Cyclone Fani which made a landfall in Odisha earlier during the day is likely to hit West Bengal by today evening. Fani hit Odisha's Puri district in eastern India at around 8 am on Friday. 
&nbsp;

Three dead as Cyclone Fani heads to West Bengal; heavy rainfall predicted in Odisha, AP, Bengal, Northeast Three people have died as Cyclone Fani battered Odisha on Friday, news agency PTI reported quoting officials.

Three dead as Cyclone Fani heads to West Bengal; heavy rainfall predicted in Odisha, AP, Bengal, Northeast Three people have died as Cyclone Fani battered Odisha on Friday, news agency PTI reported quoting officials. India's Meteorological Department(IMD) in Hyderabad tracking cyclone Fani said winds have been blowing at a maximum speed of 240-245 km per hour with very heavy rains in Puri and is now likely moving towards West Bengal coast. New evidence paved way for listing of Masood Azhar as global terrorist: Diplomatic source to WION New Evidence was provided to the United Nations Security Council (UNSC)1267 committee after China had put a hold on March 13 on the listing of Masood Azhar as a global terrorist. Sri Lanka attack mastermind used chatrooms to sway suicide bombers While Sri Lanka Easter suicide attacks mastermind Zahran Hashim used social media to publicly call for the death of non-Muslims, he worked for months in private chatrooms to persuade six young men to sacrifice themselves, Muslim community leaders say. UN rights experts cite concern at 'disproportionate' Assange detention United Nations human rights experts voiced concern on Friday at what they called the "disproportionate sentence" of 50 weeks in prison imposed on WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange for skipping bail in Britain. 'Fani' heading towards West Bengal, rain lashes city Cyclone Fani which made a landfall in Odisha earlier during the day is likely to hit West Bengal by today evening. Fani hit Odisha's Puri district in eastern India at around 8 am on Friday.

News brief: Big stories of the day

Indonesia is the president of United Nations Security Council for May 2019 and is also the chair of the UN's Sanctions Committee which listed Masood Azhar as an international terrorist.

WION's Sidhant Sibal spoke to Indonesia's envoy to India Sidharto Suryodipuro on a number of things regarding the listing of Masood Azhar including what went into the negotiations and Jakarta's role.

Here are the excerpts:

WION: What was Indonesia's role in the listing of Masood Azhar?

Sidharto Suryodipuro: The chairman of the 1267 Committee is guided, first of all, by mandate of the committee; secondly by the need to show credibility from all sides involved in the decision; and also to create a ground that everybody can agree on. These three roles guide him in ensuring that everybody is on board.

WION: What is the impact of Masood Azhar's listing as global terrorist?

Sidharto Suryodipuro: Listing means it falls under Chapter 7 of the United Nations charter, which all members of the UN are bound by. So listing basically means that all the countries must freeze the assets of the listed person, ban his travel and also put arms embargo. These are the measures that all countries are required to apply on the person who has been listed as a global terrorist.

WION: How do you see the decision, especially on terror?

Sidharto Suryodipuro: Well, terrorism is unacceptable. All terrorist must be brought before the courts of law. That is the principled position of Indonesia. We oppose terrorism everywhere because it is a threat to the whole of the international community. All the countries, in particular the victims, should enhance their cooperation. This is what India and Indonesia are doing. We have a joint working group on counter-terror and I believe its work is to strengthen (the cooperation). I think the challenge is greater than ever and the relationship between India and Indonesia is growing.

WION: Tell us briefly what goes into the negotiations?

Sidharto Suryodipuro: There are a number of dimensions to the negotiation. We understand there is the political side to it. So countries with particular interest will have their own negotiation. We understand that there are discussions between the capitals. The other side of it, the committee, in particular, the chair of the committee, has to ensure the ground is right, it is mature. When all sides want to take it to the committee, the committee is ready, the situation is mature, so they can have a productive decision.

WION: How do ties stand between India and Indonesia?

Sidharto Suryodipuro: It is a comprehensive strategic relation. We are looking for it in the long term. We have a shared vision of maritime cooperation. We also have elections at the same time. It means the new government, that will establish will have five years of stability to further build the relationship. You have to look it as in three decades, we will be the second and fourth largest economies. So what we doing today has strategic foundations to strengthen the ties.

Indonesia is the president of United Nations Security Council for May 2019 and is also the chair of the UN's Sanctions Committee which listed Masood Azhar as an international terrorist.

Indonesia is the president of United Nations Security Council for May 2019 and is also the chair of the UN's Sanctions Committee which listed Masood Azhar as an international terrorist. WION's Sidhant Sibal spoke to Indonesia's envoy to India Sidharto Suryodipuro on a number of things regarding the listing of Masood Azhar including what went into the negotiations and Jakarta's role. Here are the excerpts: WION: What was Indonesia's role in the listing of Masood Azhar? Sidharto Suryodipuro: The chairman of the 1267 Committee is guided, first of all, by mandate of the committee; secondly by the need to show credibility from all sides involved in the decision; and also to create a ground that everybody can agree on. These three roles guide him in ensuring that everybody is on board. WION: What is the impact of Masood Azhar's listing as global terrorist? Sidharto Suryodipuro: Listing means it falls under Chapter 7 of the United Nations charter, which all members of the UN are bound by. So listing basically means that all the countries must freeze the assets of the listed person, ban his travel and also put arms embargo. These are the measures that all countries are required to apply on the person who has been listed as a global terrorist. WION: How do you see the decision, especially on terror? Sidharto Suryodipuro: Well, terrorism is unacceptable. All terrorist must be brought before the courts of law. That is the principled position of Indonesia. We oppose terrorism everywhere because it is a threat to the whole of the international community. All the countries, in particular the victims, should enhance their cooperation. This is what India and Indonesia are doing. We have a joint working group on counter-terror and I believe its work is to strengthen (the cooperation). I think the challenge is greater than ever and the relationship between India and Indonesia is growing. WION: Tell us briefly what goes into the negotiations? Sidharto Suryodipuro: There are a number of dimensions to the negotiation. We understand there is the political side to it. So countries with particular interest will have their own negotiation. We understand that there are discussions between the capitals. The other side of it, the committee, in particular, the chair of the committee, has to ensure the ground is right, it is mature. When all sides want to take it to the committee, the committee is ready, the situation is mature, so they can have a productive decision. WION: How do ties stand between India and Indonesia? Sidharto Suryodipuro: It is a comprehensive strategic relation. We are looking for it in the long term. We have a shared vision of maritime cooperation. We also have elections at the same time. It means the new government, that will establish will have five years of stability to further build the relationship. You have to look it as in three decades, we will be the second and fourth largest economies. So what we doing today has strategic foundations to strengthen the ties.

There is a political side to negotiations: Indonesia envoy Sidharto Suryodipuro on Masood Azhar listing

Here are the implications of Masood Azhar's designation as a global terrorist. Watch this video to know more.

WION Gravitas: What the listing of Masood Azhar as terrorist means

Masood Azhar was designated a 'global terrorist by the United Nations as China lifts the technical hold.

Big diplomatic win for India: UN blacklists Masood Azhar

The mastermind behind several terror attacks in India & the world - Masood Azhar, JeM Chief, is listed as a global terrorist.

JeM Chief Masood Azhar now a proscribed terrorist: A discussion

Politicians Claim Victory Over Terrorism After Azhar's Listing As A Global Terrorist. But The Fight Against Terrorism Has Only Started With This Listing. India's stance on Masood Azhar, JeM & Pakistan has been vindicated with the former's listing as a global terrorist by the UN Security council. Palki tells us why it's not a final victory, but a firm beginning in the fight against terror. She pulls up Azhar's interrogation report from 1994 & Pakistan's abysmmal trackrecord on terror to validate the point.

Gravitas: India's long-awaited fight against Terrorism 'begins' with Azhar's listing

The designation of Pakistan-based JeM chief <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/after-10-years-china-has-done-the-right-thing-white-house-official-on-un-listing-masood-azhar-as-global-terrorist-215194">Masood Azhar</a> as a global terrorist by the UN demonstrates the international commitment to rooting out terrorism in Pakistan and bringing security and stability to South Asia, the White House has said.

The UN sanctions committee on the Islamic State and Al-Qaeda on Wednesday announced the designation of Azhar, leader of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/found-no-objection-to-list-azhar-after-studying-revised-materials-china-215122">Jaish-e-Mohammed</a> (JeM), over its ties to Al-Qaeda.

The JeM has claimed responsibility for the Pulwama suicide attack that killed 40 CRPF soldiers and led to a spike in military tensions between India and Pakistan.

Reacting to the development, Garrett Marquis, spokesperson of the National Security Council, White House said,&nbsp;"Designating Azhar demonstrates an international commitment to rooting out terrorism in Pakistan and bringing security and stability to South Asia".

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The US commends the United Nations Security Council 1267 Sanctions Committee for the designation of Azhar, the leader of JeM, a UN-designated terrorist group that was responsible for the February 14 terrorist attack in Kashmir that killed over 40 Indian security personnel, Marquis said in a statement.

Secretary of State Mike Pompeo also welcomed the move and said that it is a victory for American diplomacy and the international community against terrorism.

Pompeo also congratulated the US mission in the UN which took the lead in America's diplomatic effort to designate Azhar as a global terrorist, after China finally lifted its nearly 10-year technical hold on such an effort by India, the United States and other permanent members of the Security Council including Britain and France.

"Congrats to our team @USUN for their work in negotiating JEM's Masood Azhar's #UN designation as a terrorist," Pompeo tweeted.

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Congrats to our team <a href="https://twitter.com/USUN?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@USUN</a> for their work in negotiating JEM's Masood Azhar's <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UN?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UN</a> designation as a terrorist. This long-awaited action is a victory for American diplomacy and the international community against terrorism, and an important step towards peace in South Asia.
— Secretary Pompeo (@SecPompeo) <a href="https://twitter.com/SecPompeo/status/1123776110003617793?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 2, 2019</a></blockquote>
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"This long-awaited action is a victory for American diplomacy and the international community against terrorism, and an important step towards peace in South Asia," Pompeo said.

Meanwhile, State Department spokesperson Morgan Ortagus said that the JeM has been responsible for numerous terrorist attacks and is a serious threat to regional stability and peace in South Asia.

"The JeM was designated by the United States as a Foreign Terrorist Organisation and Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT) in 2001 and has been listed by the UN since 2001," she said.

The US also designated Azhar as an SDGT in 2010.

"As JEM's founder and leader, Azhar clearly met the criteria for designation by the UN. This listing requires all the UN member states to implement an asset freeze, a travel ban, and an arms embargo against Azhar. We expect all countries to uphold these obligations," Ortagus said.

Today's designation is an important step in promoting a peaceful and stable South Asia, she said.

"In line with this vision, we appreciate Pakistani Prime Minister Khan's stated commitment that Pakistan, for the sake of its own future, will not allow militant and terrorist groups to operate from its territory," Ortagus said.

The spokesperson said that the US looks forward to further and sustained actions from Pakistan as outlined in its National Action Plan consistent with its international obligations.

The UK has also welcomed the development. A British high commission spokesperson said it is "positive development for the security and stability of the South Asia region."&nbsp;

France was the first country to react on the listing of Masood Azhar on Wednesday calling it "successful realisation" of its efforts.

Azhar was released from prison in exchange for 155 hostages held on an Indian Airlines flight that had been hijacked to Kandahar in 1999. Since then, he is&nbsp;responsible for many terror attacks in India including the 2001 Parliament attack and 2019 Pulwama attack.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

The designation of Pakistan-based JeM chief Masood Azhar as a global terrorist by the UN demonstrates the international commitment to rooting out terrorism in Pakistan and bringing security and stability to South Asia, the White House has said.

The designation of Pakistan-based JeM chief Masood Azhar as a global terrorist by the UN demonstrates the international commitment to rooting out terrorism in Pakistan and bringing security and stability to South Asia, the White House has said. The UN sanctions committee on the Islamic State and Al-Qaeda on Wednesday announced the designation of Azhar, leader of Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), over its ties to Al-Qaeda. The JeM has claimed responsibility for the Pulwama suicide attack that killed 40 CRPF soldiers and led to a spike in military tensions between India and Pakistan. Reacting to the development, Garrett Marquis, spokesperson of the National Security Council, White House said, "Designating Azhar demonstrates an international commitment to rooting out terrorism in Pakistan and bringing security and stability to South Asia". × The US commends the United Nations Security Council 1267 Sanctions Committee for the designation of Azhar, the leader of JeM, a UN-designated terrorist group that was responsible for the February 14 terrorist attack in Kashmir that killed over 40 Indian security personnel, Marquis said in a statement. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo also welcomed the move and said that it is a victory for American diplomacy and the international community against terrorism. Pompeo also congratulated the US mission in the UN which took the lead in America's diplomatic effort to designate Azhar as a global terrorist, after China finally lifted its nearly 10-year technical hold on such an effort by India, the United States and other permanent members of the Security Council including Britain and France. "Congrats to our team @USUN for their work in negotiating JEM's Masood Azhar's #UN designation as a terrorist," Pompeo tweeted. Congrats to our team @USUN for their work in negotiating JEM's Masood Azhar's #UN designation as a terrorist. This long-awaited action is a victory for American diplomacy and the international community against terrorism, and an important step towards peace in South Asia. — Secretary Pompeo (@SecPompeo) May 2, 2019 × "This long-awaited action is a victory for American diplomacy and the international community against terrorism, and an important step towards peace in South Asia," Pompeo said. Meanwhile, State Department spokesperson Morgan Ortagus said that the JeM has been responsible for numerous terrorist attacks and is a serious threat to regional stability and peace in South Asia. "The JeM was designated by the United States as a Foreign Terrorist Organisation and Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT) in 2001 and has been listed by the UN since 2001," she said. The US also designated Azhar as an SDGT in 2010. "As JEM's founder and leader, Azhar clearly met the criteria for designation by the UN. This listing requires all the UN member states to implement an asset freeze, a travel ban, and an arms embargo against Azhar. We expect all countries to uphold these obligations," Ortagus said. Today's designation is an important step in promoting a peaceful and stable South Asia, she said. "In line with this vision, we appreciate Pakistani Prime Minister Khan's stated commitment that Pakistan, for the sake of its own future, will not allow militant and terrorist groups to operate from its territory," Ortagus said. The spokesperson said that the US looks forward to further and sustained actions from Pakistan as outlined in its National Action Plan consistent with its international obligations. The UK has also welcomed the development. A British high commission spokesperson said it is "positive development for the security and stability of the South Asia region." France was the first country to react on the listing of Masood Azhar on Wednesday calling it "successful realisation" of its efforts. Azhar was released from prison in exchange for 155 hostages held on an Indian Airlines flight that had been hijacked to Kandahar in 1999. Since then, he is responsible for many terror attacks in India including the 2001 Parliament attack and 2019 Pulwama attack. (With inputs from agencies)

Long awaited action victory for US diplomacy: Mike Pompeo on UNSC listing Azhar as terrorist

Prime Minister Narendra Modi today said that the United Nations' decision to list Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Masood Azhar as a global terrorist is a big victory for India. Watch full video to know more.

PM Modi says UN ban on Masood Azhar is a 'Big Victory'

The international community has welcomed the United Nations' decision to designate Jaish-e-Mohammad Chief Masood Azhar as a global terrorist and sought sustained action from Pakistan against terrorism. Watch full video to know more.

UK, US and France welcomes UN move to list Masood Azhar as global terrorist

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/after-10-years-china-has-done-the-right-thing-white-house-official-on-un-listing-masood-azhar-as-global-terrorist-215194">After 10 years, China has done the right thing: White House official on UN listing Masood Azhar as global terrorist</a>

The UN declaring Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Masood Azhar a global terrorist demonstrates an international commitment to rooting out terrorism in Pakistan and bringing security and stability to South Asia, the Trump administration said Wednesday, expressing hope that Islamabad will take sustained and irreversible action against terror groups operating from its soil.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uks-may-sacks-defence-minister-williamson-over-huawei-leak-215201">UK PM Theresa May sacks defence minister Williamson over Huawei leak</a>

British Prime Minister Theresa May on Wednesday sacked Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson following a probe into the leak of news that Britain had conditionally allowed China's Huawei to develop its 5G network.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-attorney-general-william-barr-refuses-to-testify-before-house-judiciary-committee-on-mueller-report-215205">US Attorney General William Barr refuses to testify before House Judiciary Committee on Mueller report</a>

US Attorney General Bill Barr rejected allegations in a Senate hearing Wednesday that he had whitewashed the Mueller Russian interference report to protect President Donald Trump, but then refused to appear before the House to answer similar questions.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/putin-signs-bill-to-steer-russian-net-traffic-away-from-foreign-servers-215193">Putin signs bill to steer Russian net traffic away from foreign servers</a>

President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday signed into law a "sovereign internet" bill which will allow Russian authorities to isolate the country's internet, a move decried by rights groups.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/clashes-break-out-at-venezuela-may-day-protest-215199">Clashes break out at Venezuela May Day protest</a>

Clashes broke out between opposition supporters and Venezuela's armed forces in the capital Caracas on Wednesday during May Day protests with opposition leader Juan Guaido attempting to rally demonstrators against President Nicolas Maduro.

After 10 years, China has done the right thing: White House official on UN listing Masood Azhar as global terrorist The UN declaring Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Masood Azhar a global terrorist demonstrates an international commitment to rooting out terrorism in Pakistan and bringing security and stability to South Asia, the Trump administration said Wednesday, expressing hope that Islamabad will take sustained and irreversible action against terror groups operating from its soil.

After 10 years, China has done the right thing: White House official on UN listing Masood Azhar as global terrorist The UN declaring Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Masood Azhar a global terrorist demonstrates an international commitment to rooting out terrorism in Pakistan and bringing security and stability to South Asia, the Trump administration said Wednesday, expressing hope that Islamabad will take sustained and irreversible action against terror groups operating from its soil. UK PM Theresa May sacks defence minister Williamson over Huawei leak British Prime Minister Theresa May on Wednesday sacked Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson following a probe into the leak of news that Britain had conditionally allowed China's Huawei to develop its 5G network. US Attorney General William Barr refuses to testify before House Judiciary Committee on Mueller report US Attorney General Bill Barr rejected allegations in a Senate hearing Wednesday that he had whitewashed the Mueller Russian interference report to protect President Donald Trump, but then refused to appear before the House to answer similar questions. Putin signs bill to steer Russian net traffic away from foreign servers President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday signed into law a "sovereign internet" bill which will allow Russian authorities to isolate the country's internet, a move decried by rights groups. Clashes break out at Venezuela May Day protest Clashes broke out between opposition supporters and Venezuela's armed forces in the capital Caracas on Wednesday during May Day protests with opposition leader Juan Guaido attempting to rally demonstrators against President Nicolas Maduro.

The "breakthrough" in designating <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/masood-azhar-named-global-terrorist-how-it-will-affect-the-jem-chief-215077">Masood Azhar as a global terrorist </a>came during Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan's recent visit to China where the two sides agreed to withdraw their opposition to the latest move to blacklist the JeM chief, a media report said in Pakistan&nbsp;Thursday.

The UN's sanctions committee announced Wednesday the designation of Pakistan-based Azhar, leader of the Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), over its ties to Al-Qaeda.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/masood-azhar-named-global-terrorist-how-it-will-affect-the-jem-chief-215077">Masood Azhar named global terrorist: How it will affect the JeM chief?</a>

The US, France along with the UK had moved the proposal to designate Azhar as a "global terrorist" in the UN Security Council's 1267 Al Qaeda Sanctions Committee in February, just days after the deadly Pulwama terror attack that killed 40 CRPF soldiers.&nbsp;

A veto-wielding permanent member of the UNSC, China was the sole hold-out in the 15-nation world body on the bid to blacklist Azhar, blocking four attempts since 2009 by placing a "technical hold" and asking for "more time to examine" the proposal.&nbsp;

Hours after sanctions were imposed on Azhar, the Express Tribune newspaper, quoting diplomatic sources, reported that Pakistan and China held extensive discussions before making a decision on the Azhar issue.&nbsp;

"It is believed that the breakthrough came during the recent visit of Prime Minister Imran Khan to China where both sides agreed to withdraw opposition to the latest move after realising that Islamabad's concerns were addressed," the report said.

Khan was in Beijing to attend the 2nd Belt and Road Forum hosted by Chinese President Xi Jinping from April 25 to 27. Apart from President Xi, the Pakistan prime minister met his Chinese counterpart Li Keqiang as well as Vice President Wang Qishan.

In Beijing, Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said on Wednesday that China lifted its hold on the US, the UK and French proposal after a "careful study of the revised materials" it had to designate Azhar as a global terrorist.

The listing of Azhar means that he will now be facing a travel ban, assets freeze and arms embargo.&nbsp;

But the source told the paper that the listing does not mean the person should be detained. Another official claimed that authorities were "unaware" of Azhar's whereabouts.

Pakistan's Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi, during the peak of India-Pakistan tensions following the Pulwama terror attack had admitted that Azhar was in Pakistan. He also mentioned that the JeM chief was "very unwell" to the extent that he cannot leave his house.

The report also claimed that Islamabad agreeing to the designation of Azhar as a global terrorist was a "paradigm shift" in the country's approach.&nbsp;

An official said prime minister Khan had made a public commitment that Pakistan's soil would not be used against any country.

However, he made it clear that Pakistan would go after these groups in a manner that the peace and security of the country was not affected.

The Washington Post reported that Azhar's sanctioning comes weeks after Washington said it was seeking to have him put on the UN blacklist.

In Washington, a senior US administration official told reporters that "after 10 years China has done the right thing by lifting its hold on this designation."

The official, who insisted on speaking anonymously, said Britain and France joined the US in putting pressure on China after the February 14 attack, and Beijing seems to have understood "that it is increasingly important that its actions on the international stage on terrorism matched its rhetoric."

The official said the Trump administration is watching to see if Pakistan Prime Minister Khan's commitment to crack down on militants in the country "will translate into irreversible steps to end terrorist and militant safe havens inside Pakistan."

Khan's government has ordered the takeover of assets and property of JeM and dozens of banned militant organisations that operate in Pakistan after the Pulwama terror attack by a JeM suicide bomber.

The "breakthrough" in designating Masood Azhar as a global terrorist came during Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan's recent visit to China where the two sides agreed to withdraw their opposition to the latest move to blacklist the JeM chief, a media report said in Pakistan Thursday.

The "breakthrough" in designating Masood Azhar as a global terrorist came during Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan's recent visit to China where the two sides agreed to withdraw their opposition to the latest move to blacklist the JeM chief, a media report said in Pakistan Thursday. The UN's sanctions committee announced Wednesday the designation of Pakistan-based Azhar, leader of the Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), over its ties to Al-Qaeda. Also read: Masood Azhar named global terrorist: How it will affect the JeM chief? The US, France along with the UK had moved the proposal to designate Azhar as a "global terrorist" in the UN Security Council's 1267 Al Qaeda Sanctions Committee in February, just days after the deadly Pulwama terror attack that killed 40 CRPF soldiers. A veto-wielding permanent member of the UNSC, China was the sole hold-out in the 15-nation world body on the bid to blacklist Azhar, blocking four attempts since 2009 by placing a "technical hold" and asking for "more time to examine" the proposal. Hours after sanctions were imposed on Azhar, the Express Tribune newspaper, quoting diplomatic sources, reported that Pakistan and China held extensive discussions before making a decision on the Azhar issue. "It is believed that the breakthrough came during the recent visit of Prime Minister Imran Khan to China where both sides agreed to withdraw opposition to the latest move after realising that Islamabad's concerns were addressed," the report said. Khan was in Beijing to attend the 2nd Belt and Road Forum hosted by Chinese President Xi Jinping from April 25 to 27. Apart from President Xi, the Pakistan prime minister met his Chinese counterpart Li Keqiang as well as Vice President Wang Qishan. In Beijing, Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said on Wednesday that China lifted its hold on the US, the UK and French proposal after a "careful study of the revised materials" it had to designate Azhar as a global terrorist. The listing of Azhar means that he will now be facing a travel ban, assets freeze and arms embargo. But the source told the paper that the listing does not mean the person should be detained. Another official claimed that authorities were "unaware" of Azhar's whereabouts. Pakistan's Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi, during the peak of India-Pakistan tensions following the Pulwama terror attack had admitted that Azhar was in Pakistan. He also mentioned that the JeM chief was "very unwell" to the extent that he cannot leave his house. The report also claimed that Islamabad agreeing to the designation of Azhar as a global terrorist was a "paradigm shift" in the country's approach. An official said prime minister Khan had made a public commitment that Pakistan's soil would not be used against any country. However, he made it clear that Pakistan would go after these groups in a manner that the peace and security of the country was not affected. The Washington Post reported that Azhar's sanctioning comes weeks after Washington said it was seeking to have him put on the UN blacklist. In Washington, a senior US administration official told reporters that "after 10 years China has done the right thing by lifting its hold on this designation." The official, who insisted on speaking anonymously, said Britain and France joined the US in putting pressure on China after the February 14 attack, and Beijing seems to have understood "that it is increasingly important that its actions on the international stage on terrorism matched its rhetoric." The official said the Trump administration is watching to see if Pakistan Prime Minister Khan's commitment to crack down on militants in the country "will translate into irreversible steps to end terrorist and militant safe havens inside Pakistan." Khan's government has ordered the takeover of assets and property of JeM and dozens of banned militant organisations that operate in Pakistan after the Pulwama terror attack by a JeM suicide bomber.

Breakthrough in Azhar case struck during Imran Khan's China trip: Report

The UN declaring Jaish-e-Mohammed chief<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/masood-azhar-named-global-terrorist-how-it-will-affect-the-jem-chief-215077"> </a><a href="https://www.wionews.com/pakistan/jem-chief-masood-azhar-designated-as-a-global-terrorist-in-un-sanctions-list-215076">Masood Azhar a global terrorist</a> demonstrates an international commitment to rooting out terrorism in Pakistan and bringing security and stability to South Asia, the Trump administration said Wednesday, expressing hope that Islamabad will take sustained and irreversible action against terror groups operating from its soil.

Welcoming <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/found-no-objection-to-list-azhar-after-studying-revised-materials-china-215122">China's decision to lift its hold on the proposal</a> to blacklist the Pakistan-based JeM chief, a senior Trump administration official during a conference call with reporters said after 10 years China has done the right thing by lifting its blockade.

"I think China seems to have understood that it was increasingly important that its actions on the international stage on terrorism matched its rhetoric," the White House official said on the condition of anonymity.

Pulwama attack, the official noted was just the latest in the terrorist attacks that this "deadly group"&nbsp;has conducted.

"Designating Azhar demonstrates an international commitment to rooting out terrorism in Pakistan and bringing security and stability to South Asia," the official said, adding that this designation is critically important and it was a long time coming.

This designation, the official said, is in line with Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan's stated commitment to crack down on militancy inside Pakistan and his acknowledgement that prosperity and development in Pakistan are contingent on maintaining regional stability.

"So we acknowledged that this designation is a good step forward and we look forward to how Pakistan would use this international designation press forward on its own stated commitment,"&nbsp;the official said.

"The US will continue to monitor the situation in Pakistan to determine whether the recent positive statements from the prime minister will translate into irreversible steps"&nbsp;to end terrorist and militant safe haven inside Pakistan," the official said.

"All too often the world has seen a familiar pattern of Pakistan taking temporary steps against militants following immediately terrorist attacks, only to reverse those positive steps a few months later when the heat is off," the official said, adding that the history of the effort behind this listing demonstrates Pakistan has in the past been reluctant to divorce itself from terrorist proxy groups.

"China's willingness to shield Pakistan in these policies has been unhelpful to establishing regional stability. China acting on behalf of Pakistan has prevented the designation of Azhar on multiple occasions over the last decade,"&nbsp;the senior administration official alleged.

The official noted that this listing that will help to "avoid a re-escalation"&nbsp;of India-Pak tension, by holding Pakistan accountable on its international obligations.

"This designation serves as a forcing function for Pakistan, to implement their stated commitments to peace and stability and to rooting out terrorism from Pakistani soil."

"We have seen Pakistan taking some steps against Jaish-e-Mohammed following the Pulwama attack. However, there are additional steps that Pakistan could take to show an irreversible commitment and to permanently put these kinds of groups out of business,"&nbsp;the official said.

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Lashkar-e-Taiba and Haqqani networks are the other two groups among others, the official said.

"These steps could include things like arresting leaders and disrupting their ability to communicate and travel and shutting down affiliated businesses like their charity wings," the US official demanded.

"We remain hopeful that Pakistan will continue to move in this direction and that today's designation will assist in that effort,"&nbsp;said the senior administration official.

Responding to questions, the two senior officials who briefed reporters did not give any insight into why reference to Pulwama attack was taken off from the final resolution.

The officials said they would not go into the internal deliberations at the UN Security Council.

"China probably came to the conclusion that it needed to do the right thing, be on the right side. And that it can no longer afford for the sake of its international reputation to continue blocking what it was so obvious that down this was a deadly group and that leader is responsible for these deadly attacks,"&nbsp;the official said.

"China came to realise that it should match its action on international terrorism. This was the culmination of a 10 years process," the official said.&nbsp;

The UN declaring Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Masood Azhar a global terrorist demonstrates an international commitment to rooting out terrorism in Pakistan and bringing security and stability to South Asia, the Trump administration said Wednesday, expressing hope that Islamabad will take sustained and irreversible action against terror groups operating from its soil.

The UN declaring Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Masood Azhar a global terrorist demonstrates an international commitment to rooting out terrorism in Pakistan and bringing security and stability to South Asia, the Trump administration said Wednesday, expressing hope that Islamabad will take sustained and irreversible action against terror groups operating from its soil. Welcoming China's decision to lift its hold on the proposal to blacklist the Pakistan-based JeM chief, a senior Trump administration official during a conference call with reporters said after 10 years China has done the right thing by lifting its blockade. "I think China seems to have understood that it was increasingly important that its actions on the international stage on terrorism matched its rhetoric," the White House official said on the condition of anonymity. Pulwama attack, the official noted was just the latest in the terrorist attacks that this "deadly group" has conducted. "Designating Azhar demonstrates an international commitment to rooting out terrorism in Pakistan and bringing security and stability to South Asia," the official said, adding that this designation is critically important and it was a long time coming. This designation, the official said, is in line with Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan's stated commitment to crack down on militancy inside Pakistan and his acknowledgement that prosperity and development in Pakistan are contingent on maintaining regional stability. "So we acknowledged that this designation is a good step forward and we look forward to how Pakistan would use this international designation press forward on its own stated commitment," the official said. "The US will continue to monitor the situation in Pakistan to determine whether the recent positive statements from the prime minister will translate into irreversible steps" to end terrorist and militant safe haven inside Pakistan," the official said. "All too often the world has seen a familiar pattern of Pakistan taking temporary steps against militants following immediately terrorist attacks, only to reverse those positive steps a few months later when the heat is off," the official said, adding that the history of the effort behind this listing demonstrates Pakistan has in the past been reluctant to divorce itself from terrorist proxy groups. "China's willingness to shield Pakistan in these policies has been unhelpful to establishing regional stability. China acting on behalf of Pakistan has prevented the designation of Azhar on multiple occasions over the last decade," the senior administration official alleged. The official noted that this listing that will help to "avoid a re-escalation" of India-Pak tension, by holding Pakistan accountable on its international obligations. "This designation serves as a forcing function for Pakistan, to implement their stated commitments to peace and stability and to rooting out terrorism from Pakistani soil." "We have seen Pakistan taking some steps against Jaish-e-Mohammed following the Pulwama attack. However, there are additional steps that Pakistan could take to show an irreversible commitment and to permanently put these kinds of groups out of business," the official said. × Lashkar-e-Taiba and Haqqani networks are the other two groups among others, the official said. "These steps could include things like arresting leaders and disrupting their ability to communicate and travel and shutting down affiliated businesses like their charity wings," the US official demanded. "We remain hopeful that Pakistan will continue to move in this direction and that today's designation will assist in that effort," said the senior administration official. Responding to questions, the two senior officials who briefed reporters did not give any insight into why reference to Pulwama attack was taken off from the final resolution. The officials said they would not go into the internal deliberations at the UN Security Council. "China probably came to the conclusion that it needed to do the right thing, be on the right side. And that it can no longer afford for the sake of its international reputation to continue blocking what it was so obvious that down this was a deadly group and that leader is responsible for these deadly attacks," the official said. "China came to realise that it should match its action on international terrorism. This was the culmination of a 10 years process," the official said.

After 10 years, China has done the right thing: White House official on UN listing Masood Azhar as global terrorist

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/we-do-not-negotiate-with-any-country-on-terrorism-india-on-masood-azhar-215385">We do not negotiate with any country on terrorism: India on Masood Azhar</a>

India on Thursday welcomed the listing of&nbsp;Jaish-e-Mohammed&nbsp;chief&nbsp;Masood Azhar&nbsp;as a&nbsp;global terrorist by the UN&nbsp;and said that India would not “negotiate” with any country on matters related to the security of the country.

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UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has expressed hope that all member states will abide by the decision of the sanctions committee of the world body which imposed an arms embargo, asset freeze and travel ban on Pakistan-based JeM chief&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/pakistan/jem-chief-masood-azhar-designated-as-a-global-terrorist-in-un-sanctions-list-215076">Masood Azhar.</a>

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Wikileaks founder Julian Assange told a London court on Thursday that he&nbsp;did not want to be extradited to the United States to face trial for one of the largest compromises of classified information in history.

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In an effort to pacify&nbsp;boiling Venezuelans, President Nicolas Maduro on Wednesday (local time) announced that he is ready to "adopt a plan" to introduce change in the country`s administration "to improve everything."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-holds-high-level-meeting-to-review-preparedness-for-cyclone-fani-215375">PM Modi holds high-level meeting to review preparedness for cyclone Fani</a>

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday chaired a high-level meeting in the Capital to review preparedness for cyclone Fani.&nbsp;

We do not negotiate with any country on terrorism: India on Masood Azhar India on Thursday welcomed the listing of Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Masood Azhar as a global terrorist by the UN and said that India would not “negotiate” with any country on matters related to the security of the country.

We do not negotiate with any country on terrorism: India on Masood Azhar India on Thursday welcomed the listing of Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Masood Azhar as a global terrorist by the UN and said that India would not “negotiate” with any country on matters related to the security of the country. All members should abide by UN sanctions committee's decision on Masood Azhar: UN chief Antonio Guterres UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has expressed hope that all member states will abide by the decision of the sanctions committee of the world body which imposed an arms embargo, asset freeze and travel ban on Pakistan-based JeM chief Masood Azhar. Julian Assange says he does not want to be extradited to the United States Wikileaks founder Julian Assange told a London court on Thursday that he did not want to be extradited to the United States to face trial for one of the largest compromises of classified information in history. Nicolas Maduro open to 'adopt a plan' to improve Venezuela's condition In an effort to pacify boiling Venezuelans, President Nicolas Maduro on Wednesday (local time) announced that he is ready to "adopt a plan" to introduce change in the country`s administration "to improve everything." PM Modi holds high-level meeting to review preparedness for cyclone Fani Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday chaired a high-level meeting in the Capital to review preparedness for cyclone Fani.

A day after United Nations listed Masood Azhar, the chief of Jaish E Mohammed as a global terrorist India has the February 14 Pulwama terror attack played a role in his listing and asked demanding Islamabad takes "credible verifiable and irreversible action" against terrorist based on its territory.&nbsp;

Speaking to reporters, the spokesperson of the ministry of external affairs, Raveesh Kumar at the weekly presser said, "for us, what is important, that he has been designated as a terrorist. I can tell u that the terror attack Pulwama did play a role in coming to the decision. "

The spokesperson explained, "our objective, all along, has been the designation of Masood as a terrorist. The process started way back in 2009.In 2016-2017 another effort was made. &nbsp;Designation not based on specific incidence but on the basis of evidence which we shared the evidence with members of 1267 Committee linking Masood Azhar with various terror acts."

The Pakistan foreign ministry spokesperson Dr Mohammad Faisal on Wednesday called the listing of Pakistani national Masood Azhar as an international terrorist as a "diplomatic victory" since according to them "the current listing proposal has been agreed after... removal of attempts to link it with Pulwama."

According to UNSC notification on the UN website, Masood Azhar was listed for participating in the financing, planning, facilitating, preparing, or perpetrating of acts associated with Jaish-i-Mohammed.&nbsp;

India termed the UN action as a huge diplomatic set back for Pakistan, one they "cant welcome or criticise", that is why they are picking up "holes which they think exists."&nbsp;

Earlier in the day, finance minister Arun Jaitley responding to the same question on the omission of Pulwama from UNSC notification and said, "Listing and decision are not a biodata of Masood Azhar. They don't have to give his entire background. The core issue is he has been declared an international terrorist. He and his country have to face consequences of this."

No negotiation on terror: MEA

The MEA also dismissed reports of any negotiation with China regarding the listing of Azhar. Raveesh Kumar said, "We do not negotiate with any country on terrorism and on matters related to the security of the country. China has given an explanation."

China has been blocking the move to list Azhar for the last 10 years. India in 2009 had first proposed listing of Azhar as an international terrorist.&nbsp;

While welcoming China's decision to lift the hold for the listing of Azhar, MEA said, "it was agreed during (Wuhan informal) summit, that in next summit in India, that we will try to take the spirit of Wuhan forward."

The listing of Azhar as UN terrorist means an arms embargo will be put on him, along with a travel ban and his assets will be frozen.

A day after United Nations listed Masood Azhar, the chief of Jaish E Mohammed as a global terrorist India has the February 14 Pulwama terror attack played a role in his listing and asked demanding Islamabad takes "credible verifiable and irreversible action" against terrorist based on its territory.

A day after United Nations listed Masood Azhar, the chief of Jaish E Mohammed as a global terrorist India has the February 14 Pulwama terror attack played a role in his listing and asked demanding Islamabad takes "credible verifiable and irreversible action" against terrorist based on its territory. Speaking to reporters, the spokesperson of the ministry of external affairs, Raveesh Kumar at the weekly presser said, "for us, what is important, that he has been designated as a terrorist. I can tell u that the terror attack Pulwama did play a role in coming to the decision. " The spokesperson explained, "our objective, all along, has been the designation of Masood as a terrorist. The process started way back in 2009.In 2016-2017 another effort was made. Designation not based on specific incidence but on the basis of evidence which we shared the evidence with members of 1267 Committee linking Masood Azhar with various terror acts." The Pakistan foreign ministry spokesperson Dr Mohammad Faisal on Wednesday called the listing of Pakistani national Masood Azhar as an international terrorist as a "diplomatic victory" since according to them "the current listing proposal has been agreed after... removal of attempts to link it with Pulwama." According to UNSC notification on the UN website, Masood Azhar was listed for participating in the financing, planning, facilitating, preparing, or perpetrating of acts associated with Jaish-i-Mohammed. India termed the UN action as a huge diplomatic set back for Pakistan, one they "cant welcome or criticise", that is why they are picking up "holes which they think exists." Earlier in the day, finance minister Arun Jaitley responding to the same question on the omission of Pulwama from UNSC notification and said, "Listing and decision are not a biodata of Masood Azhar. They don't have to give his entire background. The core issue is he has been declared an international terrorist. He and his country have to face consequences of this." No negotiation on terror: MEA The MEA also dismissed reports of any negotiation with China regarding the listing of Azhar. Raveesh Kumar said, "We do not negotiate with any country on terrorism and on matters related to the security of the country. China has given an explanation." China has been blocking the move to list Azhar for the last 10 years. India in 2009 had first proposed listing of Azhar as an international terrorist. While welcoming China's decision to lift the hold for the listing of Azhar, MEA said, "it was agreed during (Wuhan informal) summit, that in next summit in India, that we will try to take the spirit of Wuhan forward." The listing of Azhar as UN terrorist means an arms embargo will be put on him, along with a travel ban and his assets will be frozen.

Masood Azhar listing: India says Pulwama attack played a role; calls Pakistan to act on terror

The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) on Wednesday designated Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Masood Azhar as a global terrorist. India’s Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the United Nations Syed Akbaruddin confirmed the development on Twitter. He said, "Big, small, all join together. Masood Azhar designated as a terrorist in UN Sanctions list."

Indian Foreign Ministry press briefing over Masood Azhar blacklisting

In this video of WION, watch First government briefing on Masood Azhar's listing. BJP credits PM Modi for UN listing of Masood Azhar. Watch the full video to know more.

First government briefing on Masood Azhar's listing

India on Thursday welcomed the listing of<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/masood-azhar-named-global-terrorist-how-it-will-affect-the-jem-chief-215077"> Jaish-e-Mohammed</a> chief <a href="https://www.wionews.com/pakistan/jem-chief-masood-azhar-designated-as-a-global-terrorist-in-un-sanctions-list-215076">Masood Azhar</a> as a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/all-members-should-abide-by-un-sanctions-committees-decision-on-masood-azhar-un-chief-antonio-guterres-215365">global terrorist by the UN</a> and said that India would not “negotiate” with any country on matters related to the security of the country.

"We do not negotiate with any country on terrorism and on matters related to the security of the country. China has already given its reason why the hold has been lifted," said Official Spokesperson, Ministry of External Affairs Raveesh Kumar.

The decision on Masood Azhar came a decade after it first pushed for banning the Pakistan-based terrorist by the world body.

In its reaction, the External Affairs Ministry said Azhar's designation as a UN proscribed terrorist is a step in the right direction and that India will continue its efforts to bring terror groups and their leaders to justice.

"Elements being introduced to divert attention from Pakistan on this diplomatic setback that they have suffered. They can't welcome the decision, they can’t criticize the decision, the only option left for them is to pick up some holes," Raveesh Kumar added.

Meanwhile, reacting to the listing by the UN, Pakistan Foreign Office spokesperson was quoted as saying that it will "immediately enforce UN sanctions" imposed on Azhar. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

India on Thursday welcomed the listing of Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Masood Azhar as a global terrorist by the UN and said that India would not “negotiate” with any country on matters related to the security of the country.

India on Thursday welcomed the listing of Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Masood Azhar as a global terrorist by the UN and said that India would not “negotiate” with any country on matters related to the security of the country. "We do not negotiate with any country on terrorism and on matters related to the security of the country. China has already given its reason why the hold has been lifted," said Official Spokesperson, Ministry of External Affairs Raveesh Kumar. The decision on Masood Azhar came a decade after it first pushed for banning the Pakistan-based terrorist by the world body. In its reaction, the External Affairs Ministry said Azhar's designation as a UN proscribed terrorist is a step in the right direction and that India will continue its efforts to bring terror groups and their leaders to justice. "Elements being introduced to divert attention from Pakistan on this diplomatic setback that they have suffered. They can't welcome the decision, they can’t criticize the decision, the only option left for them is to pick up some holes," Raveesh Kumar added. Meanwhile, reacting to the listing by the UN, Pakistan Foreign Office spokesperson was quoted as saying that it will "immediately enforce UN sanctions" imposed on Azhar. (With inputs from agencies)

We do not negotiate with any country on terrorism: India on Masood Azhar

Finance Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/long-awaited-action-victory-for-us-diplomacy-mike-pompeo-on-unsc-listing-azhar-as-terrorist-215231">Arun Jaitley </a>said on Thursday the government will request that Pakistan be downgraded by the Paris-based Financial Action Task Force (FATF), a global body created to counter terrorism financing and money laundering.

"There is a meeting of FATF in mid-May," Arun Jaitley told reporters. "We would want that the FATF for Pakistan should be downgraded."

The development comes a day after the UN sanctions committee on the Islamic State and Al-Qaeda on Wednesday announced the designation of Masood Azhar, leader of Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), over its ties to Al-Qaeda.

The JeM has claimed responsibility for the Pulwama suicide attack that killed 40 CRPF soldiers and led to a spike in military tensions between India and Pakistan.

It took ten years for the listing of Masood Azhar. India had proposed the listing in 2009, but China had continued to block the listing citing lack of consensus. In March of 2019, when China had put a hold at the listing of Masood Azhar, 14 out of 15 members of UNSC backed his listing.&nbsp;

The development has been welcomed by the US, UK. A British high commission spokesperson said it is "positive development for the security and stability of the South Asia region."&nbsp;

France was the first country to react on the listing of Masood Azhar on Wednesday calling it "successful realisation" of its efforts.

Azhar was released from prison in exchange for 155 hostages held on an Indian Airlines flight that had been hijacked to Kandahar in 1999. Since then, he is responsible for many terror attacks in India including the 2001 Parliament attack and 2019 Pulwama attack.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Finance Minister Arun Jaitley said on Thursday the government will request that Pakistan be downgraded by the Paris-based Financial Action Task Force (FATF), a global body created to counter terrorism financing and money laundering.

Finance Minister Arun Jaitley said on Thursday the government will request that Pakistan be downgraded by the Paris-based Financial Action Task Force (FATF), a global body created to counter terrorism financing and money laundering. "There is a meeting of FATF in mid-May," Arun Jaitley told reporters. "We would want that the FATF for Pakistan should be downgraded." The development comes a day after the UN sanctions committee on the Islamic State and Al-Qaeda on Wednesday announced the designation of Masood Azhar, leader of Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), over its ties to Al-Qaeda. The JeM has claimed responsibility for the Pulwama suicide attack that killed 40 CRPF soldiers and led to a spike in military tensions between India and Pakistan. It took ten years for the listing of Masood Azhar. India had proposed the listing in 2009, but China had continued to block the listing citing lack of consensus. In March of 2019, when China had put a hold at the listing of Masood Azhar, 14 out of 15 members of UNSC backed his listing. The development has been welcomed by the US, UK. A British high commission spokesperson said it is "positive development for the security and stability of the South Asia region." France was the first country to react on the listing of Masood Azhar on Wednesday calling it "successful realisation" of its efforts. Azhar was released from prison in exchange for 155 hostages held on an Indian Airlines flight that had been hijacked to Kandahar in 1999. Since then, he is responsible for many terror attacks in India including the 2001 Parliament attack and 2019 Pulwama attack. (With inputs from agencies)

India to seek downgrading of Pakistan on terrorism financing list

Watch Gravitas full segment and know what has been the most trending and important stories of the day. Watch this video to know more.

Watch: WION Gravitas, 1st May, 2019

Finance Minister Arun Jaitley hailed the listing of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/masood-azhar-listing-rare-bonhomie-as-unsc-president-says-sanctity-preserved-215300">Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Masood Azhar</a> as a global terrorist by the UN Security Council (UNSC). At the same time, he also attacked the opposition accusing them of not celebrating the major diplomatic win for India.

"The listing of Masood Azhar by UNSC is a big victory for India and its diplomacy. Azhar and his organisation had been trying to target India for decades. Azhar could not be declared an international terrorist thrice in the past due to a technical hold. But India's influence, its diplomatic pressure and recent developments brought together many countries who wanted Azhar to be declared an international terrorist. And China was forced to remove its technical hold," Jaitley said at a press conference in New Delhi on Thursday.

It is a matter of great pride for the country as well as the Narendra Modi government, he added.

Slamming the opposition, Jaitley said, "If India wins, all Indians win, but unfortunately, some friends in opposition feel they may pay a political price if they join the celebration. They had questioned the airstrike on terror strongholds in Balakot and claimed that 'we also carried out an invisible surgical strike'."

India was trying for this for a decade and the opposition demeans the country's victory by calling the listing as insignificant, Jaitley said.

The 1267 Sanctions Committee of the UNSC on Wednesday announced the designation of Azhar, leader of Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), over its ties to Al-Qaeda.

The US, France along with the UK had moved the proposal to designate Azhar as a "global terrorist" in UNSC in February, just days after the deadly Pulwama terror attack.

The JeM has claimed responsibility for the Pulwama attack that killed 40 CRPF soldiers and led to a spike in military tensions between India and Pakistan.

China, a veto-wielding permanent member of the UNSC, was the sole hold-out in the 15-nation body on the bid to blacklist Azhar, blocking attempts by placing a "technical hold" and asking for "more time to examine" the proposal.

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&nbsp;

Finance Minister Arun Jaitley hailed the listing of Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Masood Azhar as a global terrorist by the UN Security Council (UNSC). At the same time, he also attacked the opposition accusing them of not celebrating the major diplomatic win for India.

Finance Minister Arun Jaitley hailed the listing of Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Masood Azhar as a global terrorist by the UN Security Council (UNSC). At the same time, he also attacked the opposition accusing them of not celebrating the major diplomatic win for India. "The listing of Masood Azhar by UNSC is a big victory for India and its diplomacy. Azhar and his organisation had been trying to target India for decades. Azhar could not be declared an international terrorist thrice in the past due to a technical hold. But India's influence, its diplomatic pressure and recent developments brought together many countries who wanted Azhar to be declared an international terrorist. And China was forced to remove its technical hold," Jaitley said at a press conference in New Delhi on Thursday. It is a matter of great pride for the country as well as the Narendra Modi government, he added. Slamming the opposition, Jaitley said, "If India wins, all Indians win, but unfortunately, some friends in opposition feel they may pay a political price if they join the celebration. They had questioned the airstrike on terror strongholds in Balakot and claimed that 'we also carried out an invisible surgical strike'." India was trying for this for a decade and the opposition demeans the country's victory by calling the listing as insignificant, Jaitley said. The 1267 Sanctions Committee of the UNSC on Wednesday announced the designation of Azhar, leader of Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), over its ties to Al-Qaeda. The US, France along with the UK had moved the proposal to designate Azhar as a "global terrorist" in UNSC in February, just days after the deadly Pulwama terror attack. The JeM has claimed responsibility for the Pulwama attack that killed 40 CRPF soldiers and led to a spike in military tensions between India and Pakistan. China, a veto-wielding permanent member of the UNSC, was the sole hold-out in the 15-nation body on the bid to blacklist Azhar, blocking attempts by placing a "technical hold" and asking for "more time to examine" the proposal. ×

Opposition not celebrating moment of great pride: Arun Jaitley on Masood Azhar listing

Big diplomatic win for India as sources say that China has agreed to list JeM chief Masood Azhar as a UN designated terrorist.

Finally China supports the listing of Masood Azhar as Un designated terrorist: Sources

In a major diplomatic victory for India, the man behind several terror attacks in the country including Pulwama terror attack, Masood Azhar has finally been listed as an international terrorist by the United Nation security council's 1267 committee.

Breaking News: Global terrorist tag for JeM chief Masood Azhar

Pakistan on Wednesday said it would "immediately enforce the sanctions" imposed by the UN on <a href="https://www.wionews.com/pakistan/jem-chief-masood-azhar-designated-as-a-global-terrorist-in-un-sanctions-list-215076">JeM chief Masood Azhar</a> and agreed to his listing after all "political references", including attempts to link him to the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/masood-azhar-named-global-terrorist-how-it-will-affect-the-jem-chief-215077">Pulwama attack</a> were removed from the proposal.

In a major diplomatic win for India, the United Nations designated Pakistan-based Azhar as a "global terrorist" after China lifted its hold on a proposal by the US, the UK and France to blacklist him.

The US, the UK and France had moved the proposal to designate Azhar as a "global terrorist" in the UN Security Council's 1267 Al Qaeda Sanctions Committee in February, just days after the deadly Pulwama terror attack carried out by the JeM in Jammu and Kashmir.

Pakistan foreign office spokesman Mohammad Faisal said Pakistan would "immediately enforce the sanctions" imposed on Azhar.

"Formal action will be taken on three counts: assets freeze, travel ban and arms embargo. That is the requirement...Pakistan is a responsible state and we will take appropriate action," he said.

The spokesman said Islamabad rejected earlier proposals to list Azhar as terrorist as those efforts had a political agenda and aimed at maligning Pakistan.

"Pakistan maintains that terrorism is a menace to the world...The UNSC 1267 Sanctions Committee listing is governed by clear rules and its decisions are taken through consensus...Pakistan has always advocated the need for respecting these technical rules and has opposed the politicisation of the committee," Faisal said.

"Earlier proposals to list Azhar failed to generate the requisite consensus in the Sanctions Committee as the information did not meet its technical criteria...These proposals were aimed at maligning Pakistan...And were thus rejected by Pakistan," he said, noting that "the current listing proposal has been agreed after all political references, including removal of attempts to link it with Pulwama".

Faisal asserted that the UN decision "will not impact the struggle of Kashmiris and Pakistan would continue to support them".

Pakistan will continue to extend diplomatic, moral and political support to the Kashmiris, he said.

The spokesman said the recent listing proposal was presented on the basis of considerations beyond the listing parameters. As a result, a technical hold was placed by China, Islamabad's all-weather ally, to bring it in line with the listing criteria.

A veto-wielding permanent member of the UN Security Council, China was the sole hold-out in the 15-nation body on the bid to blacklist Azhar, blocking attempts by placing a "technical hold" and asking for "more time to examine" the proposal.

Faisal said the current decision was based on consensus and Pakistan's concerns were addressed after consultations with China.

He also rejected the UN's move as a "victory for India and validation of its stance" as projected by the Indian media.

Claiming that Indian media reports were "misleading", Faisal said the decision by the UNSC was in line with the vision of Prime Minister Imran Khan to not allow any terror group to operate in Pakistan.&nbsp;

Pakistan on Wednesday said it would "immediately enforce the sanctions" imposed by the UN on JeM chief Masood Azhar and agreed to his listing after all "political references", including attempts to link him to the Pulwama attack were removed from the proposal.

Pakistan on Wednesday said it would "immediately enforce the sanctions" imposed by the UN on JeM chief Masood Azhar and agreed to his listing after all "political references", including attempts to link him to the Pulwama attack were removed from the proposal. In a major diplomatic win for India, the United Nations designated Pakistan-based Azhar as a "global terrorist" after China lifted its hold on a proposal by the US, the UK and France to blacklist him. The US, the UK and France had moved the proposal to designate Azhar as a "global terrorist" in the UN Security Council's 1267 Al Qaeda Sanctions Committee in February, just days after the deadly Pulwama terror attack carried out by the JeM in Jammu and Kashmir. Pakistan foreign office spokesman Mohammad Faisal said Pakistan would "immediately enforce the sanctions" imposed on Azhar. "Formal action will be taken on three counts: assets freeze, travel ban and arms embargo. That is the requirement...Pakistan is a responsible state and we will take appropriate action," he said. The spokesman said Islamabad rejected earlier proposals to list Azhar as terrorist as those efforts had a political agenda and aimed at maligning Pakistan. "Pakistan maintains that terrorism is a menace to the world...The UNSC 1267 Sanctions Committee listing is governed by clear rules and its decisions are taken through consensus...Pakistan has always advocated the need for respecting these technical rules and has opposed the politicisation of the committee," Faisal said. "Earlier proposals to list Azhar failed to generate the requisite consensus in the Sanctions Committee as the information did not meet its technical criteria...These proposals were aimed at maligning Pakistan...And were thus rejected by Pakistan," he said, noting that "the current listing proposal has been agreed after all political references, including removal of attempts to link it with Pulwama". Faisal asserted that the UN decision "will not impact the struggle of Kashmiris and Pakistan would continue to support them". Pakistan will continue to extend diplomatic, moral and political support to the Kashmiris, he said. The spokesman said the recent listing proposal was presented on the basis of considerations beyond the listing parameters. As a result, a technical hold was placed by China, Islamabad's all-weather ally, to bring it in line with the listing criteria. A veto-wielding permanent member of the UN Security Council, China was the sole hold-out in the 15-nation body on the bid to blacklist Azhar, blocking attempts by placing a "technical hold" and asking for "more time to examine" the proposal. Faisal said the current decision was based on consensus and Pakistan's concerns were addressed after consultations with China. He also rejected the UN's move as a "victory for India and validation of its stance" as projected by the Indian media. Claiming that Indian media reports were "misleading", Faisal said the decision by the UNSC was in line with the vision of Prime Minister Imran Khan to not allow any terror group to operate in Pakistan.

Will immediately enforce sanctions imposed on JeM chief Masood Azhar, says Pakistan

In a major diplomatic victory for India, the man behind several terror attacks in the country including Pulwama terror attack, Masood Azhar has finally been listed as an international terrorist by the United Nation security council's 1267 committee. China earlier on Wednesday removed its hold on the listing of Masood Azhar, the chief of Pakistan based and united nations listed terror group. Watch this video to know more.

"Big Victory": PM Narendra Modi on JeM chief Masood Azhar being banned by UN

Prime Minister Narendra Modi termed the ban on Jaish-e-Mohammad chief Masood Azhar as a “big victory’ on Wednesday during an election rally in Jaipur.&nbsp;

PM Modi said that the designating Azhar as a global terrorist is a “big victory for India in its fight against terrorism”.&nbsp;

"UN's step of designating Masood Azahar as 'global terrorist' is the result of India's constant struggle against terrorism," said PM Modi.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a>: "UNSC has listed JeM's <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MasoodAzhar?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MasoodAzhar</a> as a Global Terrorist. In our fight against terrorism, it is a big victory," says, PM Narendra Modi <a href="https://t.co/262cSkV68t">pic.twitter.com/262cSkV68t</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1123608454470328321?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 1, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Masood Azhar in fourth attempt was&nbsp;listed as an international terrorist by the United Nation Security Council's 1267 committee. China, earlier on Wednesday, removed its hold on the listing of Masood Azhar, the man behind several terror attacks in India.

Listing of Azhar means that travel and an arms embargo will be imposed on him which means he cannot travel outside Pakistan nor can he buy weapons. His assets will also be frozen globally. But the big message that India has been able to send is that Pakistan remains the epicentre of terror. It is interesting to know that Pakistan hosts the largest number of United Nations listed terrorist.&nbsp;

India has been trying to list Azhar as a global terrorist for nearly a decade. It was in first in 2009 that New Delhi tried to get Azhar as a United Nations listed terrorist. India was the lone proposer back then. In 2016, India again proposed the listing and it was co-sponsored by UK, US, France. But the move was was blocked by China.

In 2017, the US, UK and France moved the proposal but China blocked the move again. The move in February of 2019 saw global support with 14 out of 15 members of UNCS backing the move for the listing of Masood Azhar. The proposal was moved US, UK, France and co-sponsored by Australia, Bangladesh, Italy and Japan.&nbsp;

After the Chinese hold in March, France had announced it will be putting a freeze on the assets of Azhar and will raise the issue with the European Union. A joint release by French Foreign, Interior and Finance Ministry said, "We will raise this issue with our European partners with a view to including Masood Azhar on the European Union list of persons, groups and entities involved in terrorist acts, based on this decree."

Currently, a text has been circulated among all members of the European Union for listing of Azhar as a terrorist under EU jurisdiction. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi termed the ban on Jaish-e-Mohammad chief Masood Azhar as a “big victory’ on Wednesday during an election rally in Jaipur. PM Modi said that the designating Azhar as a global terrorist is a “big victory for India in its fight against terrorism”.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi termed the ban on Jaish-e-Mohammad chief Masood Azhar as a “big victory’ on Wednesday during an election rally in Jaipur. PM Modi said that the designating Azhar as a global terrorist is a “big victory for India in its fight against terrorism”. "UN's step of designating Masood Azahar as 'global terrorist' is the result of India's constant struggle against terrorism," said PM Modi. #WATCH: "UNSC has listed JeM's #MasoodAzhar as a Global Terrorist. In our fight against terrorism, it is a big victory," says, PM Narendra Modi pic.twitter.com/262cSkV68t — ANI (@ANI) May 1, 2019 × Masood Azhar in fourth attempt was listed as an international terrorist by the United Nation Security Council's 1267 committee. China, earlier on Wednesday, removed its hold on the listing of Masood Azhar, the man behind several terror attacks in India. Listing of Azhar means that travel and an arms embargo will be imposed on him which means he cannot travel outside Pakistan nor can he buy weapons. His assets will also be frozen globally. But the big message that India has been able to send is that Pakistan remains the epicentre of terror. It is interesting to know that Pakistan hosts the largest number of United Nations listed terrorist. India has been trying to list Azhar as a global terrorist for nearly a decade. It was in first in 2009 that New Delhi tried to get Azhar as a United Nations listed terrorist. India was the lone proposer back then. In 2016, India again proposed the listing and it was co-sponsored by UK, US, France. But the move was was blocked by China. In 2017, the US, UK and France moved the proposal but China blocked the move again. The move in February of 2019 saw global support with 14 out of 15 members of UNCS backing the move for the listing of Masood Azhar. The proposal was moved US, UK, France and co-sponsored by Australia, Bangladesh, Italy and Japan. After the Chinese hold in March, France had announced it will be putting a freeze on the assets of Azhar and will raise the issue with the European Union. A joint release by French Foreign, Interior and Finance Ministry said, "We will raise this issue with our European partners with a view to including Masood Azhar on the European Union list of persons, groups and entities involved in terrorist acts, based on this decree." Currently, a text has been circulated among all members of the European Union for listing of Azhar as a terrorist under EU jurisdiction. (With inputs from agencies)

PM Narendra Modi terms listing of JeM founder Masood Azhar as 'big victory for India in fight against terrorism

In a major diplomatic victory for India on Wednesday, Jaish-e-Mohammad founder and Pakistani citizen Masood Azhar has finally been listed as an international terrorist by the United Nation Security Council's 1267 committee. China, earlier on Wednesday, removed its hold on the listing of Masood Azhar, the man behind several terror attacks in India.

JeM chief Masood Azhar designated global terrorist by UN

China, which lifted its technical hold on listing JeM chief Masood Azhar as a global terrorist by the UN, said on Wednesday that it took the decision after it found no objection to the listing proposal by the US, the UK and France following a careful study of the revised materials.

In a huge diplomatic win for India, the United Nations Wednesday designated Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Azhar as a "global terrorist" after China lifted its hold on a proposal to blacklist him.

The 1267 Al-Qaida Sanctions Committee of the UN Security Council has detailed criteria for the listing procedures.&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/indias-envoy-to-un-syed-akbaruddin-speaks-exclusively-to-wion-215115/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

China always believes that the relevant work should be carried out in an objective, unbiased and professional manner and based on solid evidence and consensus among all parties, a press release issued by Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said.

"On this listing issue, China has been communicating with relevant parties in a constructive and responsible fashion. Recently, relevant countries revised and re-submitted the materials for the listing proposal to the 1267 Committee. After careful study of the revised materials and taking into consideration the opinions of relevant parties concerned, China does not have an objection to the listing proposal," he said.

"The proper settlement of the above-mentioned issue again shows that in international counter-terrorism cooperation, we have to uphold the rules and procedures of relevant UN body, follow the principle of mutual respect, resolve differences and build consensus through dialogue, and prevent politicising technical issues," he said.

"I would like to stress that Pakistan has made enormous contributions to fighting terrorism, which deserves the full recognition of the international community. China will continue firmly support Pakistan's efforts to combat terrorism and extremist forces," Geng said.

China, which lifted its technical hold on listing JeM chief Masood Azhar as a global terrorist by the UN, said on Wednesday that it took the decision after it found no objection to the listing proposal by the US, the UK and France following a careful study of the revised materials.

China, which lifted its technical hold on listing JeM chief Masood Azhar as a global terrorist by the UN, said on Wednesday that it took the decision after it found no objection to the listing proposal by the US, the UK and France following a careful study of the revised materials. In a huge diplomatic win for India, the United Nations Wednesday designated Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Azhar as a "global terrorist" after China lifted its hold on a proposal to blacklist him. The 1267 Al-Qaida Sanctions Committee of the UN Security Council has detailed criteria for the listing procedures. China always believes that the relevant work should be carried out in an objective, unbiased and professional manner and based on solid evidence and consensus among all parties, a press release issued by Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said. "On this listing issue, China has been communicating with relevant parties in a constructive and responsible fashion. Recently, relevant countries revised and re-submitted the materials for the listing proposal to the 1267 Committee. After careful study of the revised materials and taking into consideration the opinions of relevant parties concerned, China does not have an objection to the listing proposal," he said. "The proper settlement of the above-mentioned issue again shows that in international counter-terrorism cooperation, we have to uphold the rules and procedures of relevant UN body, follow the principle of mutual respect, resolve differences and build consensus through dialogue, and prevent politicising technical issues," he said. "I would like to stress that Pakistan has made enormous contributions to fighting terrorism, which deserves the full recognition of the international community. China will continue firmly support Pakistan's efforts to combat terrorism and extremist forces," Geng said.

Found no objection to list Azhar after studying revised materials: China

In a major diplomatic victory for India, the man behind several terror attacks in the country including Pulwama terror attack, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/masood-azhar-named-global-terrorist-how-it-will-affect-the-jem-chief-215077">Masood Azhar </a>has finally been listed as an international terrorist by the United Nation Security Council's 1267 committee.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/found-no-objection-to-list-azhar-after-studying-revised-materials-china-215122">Also read:&nbsp;Found no objection to list Azhar after studying revised materials, says China</a>

China earlier on Wednesday removed its hold on the listing of Masood Azhar, the chief of Pakistan based and United Nations listed terror group.

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Big,small, all join together. 
 
Masood Azhar designated as a terrorist in <a href="https://twitter.com/UN?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@UN</a> Sanctions list 
 
Grateful to all for their support. 🙏🏽<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Zerotolerance4Terrorism?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Zerotolerance4Terrorism</a>
— Syed Akbaruddin (@AkbaruddinIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/AkbaruddinIndia/status/1123573604195667969?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 1, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Speaking to WION after the listing, India's permanent representative to UN Syed Akbaruddin said, "It's a significant success, this is only the first step to counter-terrorism"

"The US, UK, France &amp; many other countries came out to support India's effort of putting Masood Azhar on sanctioned list. The goal was set out 10 years ago," he added.

Welcoming the development, French foreign ministry in a statement said, "French diplomacy has been relentlessly pleading for sanctioning Mr Azhar, head of the terrorist group responsible, notably, for the Pulwama attack last February."

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Calling the decision by United Nations Security Council a "successful realisation" of Franch efforts, the statement said, "France remains mobilised at all levels and all fora to take effective measures against terrorism."

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For many years now, French diplomacy has been relentlessly pleading for sanctioning Mr Azhar, head of the terrorist group responsible, notably, for the Pulwama attack last February (2/4)
— Alexandre Ziegler (@FranceinIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/FranceinIndia/status/1123583504841826304?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 1, 2019</a></blockquote>
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In the aftermath of the February 14 Pulwama terror attack that killed more 40 Indian security personnel, US along with France and UK had moved a proposal for listing of Masood Azhar. But on March 13, the day of the deadline for the listing of Azhar, China had put a hold, citing more time to understand the issue.

Jaish-e-Mohammed had taken the responsibility for the Pulwama terror attack, the deadliest on Indian security forces in the last 20 years.

The proposal was the fourth such bid at the UN in the last 10 years to list Azhar as a global terrorist.

In 2009, India had moved a proposal by itself to designate Azhar a terrorist. Again, in 2016 India moved the proposal with the P3 — the United States, the United Kingdom and France — in the UN’s 1267 Sanctions Committee to ban Azhar, also the mastermind of the attack on the airbase in Pathankot in January 2016.

In 2017, the P3 nations moved a similar proposal again.

However, on all occasions, China, a veto-wielding permanent member of the Security Council, blocked India’s proposal from being adopted by the Sanctions Committee.

Keeping up the international pressure to designate Azhar as a global terrorist, the US, supported by France and the UK, moved a draft resolution directly in the UN&nbsp;Security Council to blacklist the Pakistan-based terror organisation’s head.

Listing 20 years after hijacking of IC 814

The listing of Masood Azhar comes 20 years after he was released when Pakistan based terrorist hijacked Indian Airlines Flight 814 and took it to Taliban controlled Kandahar.&nbsp;

The motive of the hijack was to not only get the release of Azhar but also Mushtaq Ahmed, Omar Sheikh. All 3 found safe houses in Pakistan after the release and in years to follow masterminded many terror attacks in India and the killing of South Asia Bureau Chief of The Wall Street Journal, &nbsp;Daniel Pearl.

Masood Azhar's JeM is responsible for many terror attacks in the years that followed his release after the Hijacking of IC 814-These were 2001 Indian Parliament attack, 2016 Pathankot attack and 2019 Pulwama attack

Listing a week after Indian foreign secretary was in China

The developments come just one week after Indian foreign secretary Vijay Gokhale visited China and give evidence regarding JeM's involvement in terror attacks in India. During his visit, he met Chinese officials including Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi.

A statement from India's external affairs ministry said, "We have shared all pieces of evidence of terrorist activities of Jaish-e-Mohammad and its leader Masood Azhar with China. It is now for the 1267 Sanctions Committee and other authorized bodies of the UN to take a decision on the listing of Masood Azhar. "

The British High Commissioner Sir Dominic Asquith last week speaking to reporters expressed optimism on the listing of Azhar and said, "We are strong supporters of listing of Masood Azhar for a decade. So that we will get to that conclusion shortly."&nbsp;

In a major diplomatic victory for India, the man behind several terror attacks in the country including Pulwama terror attack, Masood Azhar has finally been listed as an international terrorist by the United Nation Security Council's 1267 committee.

In a major diplomatic victory for India, the man behind several terror attacks in the country including Pulwama terror attack, Masood Azhar has finally been listed as an international terrorist by the United Nation Security Council's 1267 committee. Also read: Found no objection to list Azhar after studying revised materials, says China China earlier on Wednesday removed its hold on the listing of Masood Azhar, the chief of Pakistan based and United Nations listed terror group. Big,small, all join together. Masood Azhar designated as a terrorist in @UN Sanctions list Grateful to all for their support. 🙏🏽#Zerotolerance4Terrorism — Syed Akbaruddin (@AkbaruddinIndia) May 1, 2019 × Speaking to WION after the listing, India's permanent representative to UN Syed Akbaruddin said, "It's a significant success, this is only the first step to counter-terrorism" "The US, UK, France & many other countries came out to support India's effort of putting Masood Azhar on sanctioned list. The goal was set out 10 years ago," he added. Welcoming the development, French foreign ministry in a statement said, "French diplomacy has been relentlessly pleading for sanctioning Mr Azhar, head of the terrorist group responsible, notably, for the Pulwama attack last February." Calling the decision by United Nations Security Council a "successful realisation" of Franch efforts, the statement said, "France remains mobilised at all levels and all fora to take effective measures against terrorism." For many years now, French diplomacy has been relentlessly pleading for sanctioning Mr Azhar, head of the terrorist group responsible, notably, for the Pulwama attack last February (2/4) — Alexandre Ziegler (@FranceinIndia) May 1, 2019 × In the aftermath of the February 14 Pulwama terror attack that killed more 40 Indian security personnel, US along with France and UK had moved a proposal for listing of Masood Azhar. But on March 13, the day of the deadline for the listing of Azhar, China had put a hold, citing more time to understand the issue. Jaish-e-Mohammed had taken the responsibility for the Pulwama terror attack, the deadliest on Indian security forces in the last 20 years. The proposal was the fourth such bid at the UN in the last 10 years to list Azhar as a global terrorist. In 2009, India had moved a proposal by itself to designate Azhar a terrorist. Again, in 2016 India moved the proposal with the P3 — the United States, the United Kingdom and France — in the UN’s 1267 Sanctions Committee to ban Azhar, also the mastermind of the attack on the airbase in Pathankot in January 2016. In 2017, the P3 nations moved a similar proposal again. However, on all occasions, China, a veto-wielding permanent member of the Security Council, blocked India’s proposal from being adopted by the Sanctions Committee. Keeping up the international pressure to designate Azhar as a global terrorist, the US, supported by France and the UK, moved a draft resolution directly in the UN Security Council to blacklist the Pakistan-based terror organisation’s head. Listing 20 years after hijacking of IC 814 The listing of Masood Azhar comes 20 years after he was released when Pakistan based terrorist hijacked Indian Airlines Flight 814 and took it to Taliban controlled Kandahar. The motive of the hijack was to not only get the release of Azhar but also Mushtaq Ahmed, Omar Sheikh. All 3 found safe houses in Pakistan after the release and in years to follow masterminded many terror attacks in India and the killing of South Asia Bureau Chief of The Wall Street Journal, Daniel Pearl. Masood Azhar's JeM is responsible for many terror attacks in the years that followed his release after the Hijacking of IC 814-These were 2001 Indian Parliament attack, 2016 Pathankot attack and 2019 Pulwama attack Listing a week after Indian foreign secretary was in China The developments come just one week after Indian foreign secretary Vijay Gokhale visited China and give evidence regarding JeM's involvement in terror attacks in India. During his visit, he met Chinese officials including Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi. A statement from India's external affairs ministry said, "We have shared all pieces of evidence of terrorist activities of Jaish-e-Mohammad and its leader Masood Azhar with China. It is now for the 1267 Sanctions Committee and other authorized bodies of the UN to take a decision on the listing of Masood Azhar. " The British High Commissioner Sir Dominic Asquith last week speaking to reporters expressed optimism on the listing of Azhar and said, "We are strong supporters of listing of Masood Azhar for a decade. So that we will get to that conclusion shortly."

Masood Azhar designated as global terrorist in major diplomatic win for India

In a major diplomatic victory for India, Jaish-e-Muhammad (JeM) chief Masood Azhar has finally been listed as an international terrorist by the United Nation Security Council's (UNSC) 1267 committee. This became possible after China, one of the five permanent members of the UNSC, removed its hold on the listing of Azhar.

In the aftermath of the February 14 Pulwama terror attack that killed more 40 Indian security personnel, US along with France and UK had moved a proposal for listing of Masood Azhar. But on March 13, the day of the deadline for the listing of Azhar, China had put a hold, citing more time to understand the issue.

Azhar's JeM is responsible for Parliament, 2016 Pathankot and 2019 Pulwama attacks.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/the-minister-of-the-state-in-the-pmo-jitender-singh-speaks-exclusively-to-wion-215116/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Impact of UNSC listing

Now that Masood Azhar has been listed as a global terrorist, he will be put under a travel and arms embargo.

An assets freeze under the Sanctions Committee requires that all states freeze without delay the funds and other financial assets or economic resources of designated individuals and entities. The Jaish-e-Muhammad is already a proscribed organisation.

The travel ban entails preventing the entry into or transit by all states through their territories by designated individuals.

Under the arms embargo, all states are required to prevent the direct or indirect supply, sale and transfer from their territories or by their nationals outside their territories, or using their flag vessels or aircraft, of arms and related materiel of all types, spare parts, and technical advice, assistance, or training related to military activities, to designated individuals and entities.

Global support for listing of Masood Azhar

India has been, for a decade, trying to list Azhar as an international terrorist. It was in 2009 that New Delhi first hoped to list Azhar as a United Nations listed terrorist. It was a lone proposer back then. In 2016, India again proposed the listing and it was co-sponsored by UK, US, France but the proposal was blocked by China. The year 2017 saw the US, the UK and France moving the proposal but China blocked the move again. The move in February of 2019 saw global support with 14 out of 15 members of UNSC backing the move for the listing of Masood Azhar. The proposal was moved the US, the UK, France and co-sponsored by Australia, Bangladesh, Italy and Japan.

After the Chinese hold in March, France had announced it will be putting a freeze on the assets of Azhar and will raise the issue with the European Union. A joint release by French foreign, interior and finance ministries said, "We will raise this issue with our European partners with a view to including Masood Azhar on the European Union list of persons, groups and entities involved in terrorist acts, based on this decree."

Listing 20 years after hijacking of IC-814

The listing of Masood Azhar comes 20 years after he was released when Pakistan-based terrorist hijacked Indian Airlines Flight 814 and took it to Taliban controlled Kandahar. The motive of the hijack was to not only get the release of Azhar but also other terrorists. All the released terrorists found safe houses in Pakistan and in years to follow masterminded many terror attacks in India and the killing of South Asia Bureau Chief of The Wall Street Journal, Daniel Pearl.

In a major diplomatic victory for India, Jaish-e-Muhammad (JeM) chief Masood Azhar has finally been listed as an international terrorist by the United Nation Security Council's (UNSC) 1267 committee.

In a major diplomatic victory for India, Jaish-e-Muhammad (JeM) chief Masood Azhar has finally been listed as an international terrorist by the United Nation Security Council's (UNSC) 1267 committee. This became possible after China, one of the five permanent members of the UNSC, removed its hold on the listing of Azhar. In the aftermath of the February 14 Pulwama terror attack that killed more 40 Indian security personnel, US along with France and UK had moved a proposal for listing of Masood Azhar. But on March 13, the day of the deadline for the listing of Azhar, China had put a hold, citing more time to understand the issue. Azhar's JeM is responsible for Parliament, 2016 Pathankot and 2019 Pulwama attacks. Impact of UNSC listing Now that Masood Azhar has been listed as a global terrorist, he will be put under a travel and arms embargo. An assets freeze under the Sanctions Committee requires that all states freeze without delay the funds and other financial assets or economic resources of designated individuals and entities. The Jaish-e-Muhammad is already a proscribed organisation. The travel ban entails preventing the entry into or transit by all states through their territories by designated individuals. Under the arms embargo, all states are required to prevent the direct or indirect supply, sale and transfer from their territories or by their nationals outside their territories, or using their flag vessels or aircraft, of arms and related materiel of all types, spare parts, and technical advice, assistance, or training related to military activities, to designated individuals and entities. Global support for listing of Masood Azhar India has been, for a decade, trying to list Azhar as an international terrorist. It was in 2009 that New Delhi first hoped to list Azhar as a United Nations listed terrorist. It was a lone proposer back then. In 2016, India again proposed the listing and it was co-sponsored by UK, US, France but the proposal was blocked by China. The year 2017 saw the US, the UK and France moving the proposal but China blocked the move again. The move in February of 2019 saw global support with 14 out of 15 members of UNSC backing the move for the listing of Masood Azhar. The proposal was moved the US, the UK, France and co-sponsored by Australia, Bangladesh, Italy and Japan. After the Chinese hold in March, France had announced it will be putting a freeze on the assets of Azhar and will raise the issue with the European Union. A joint release by French foreign, interior and finance ministries said, "We will raise this issue with our European partners with a view to including Masood Azhar on the European Union list of persons, groups and entities involved in terrorist acts, based on this decree." Listing 20 years after hijacking of IC-814 The listing of Masood Azhar comes 20 years after he was released when Pakistan-based terrorist hijacked Indian Airlines Flight 814 and took it to Taliban controlled Kandahar. The motive of the hijack was to not only get the release of Azhar but also other terrorists. All the released terrorists found safe houses in Pakistan and in years to follow masterminded many terror attacks in India and the killing of South Asia Bureau Chief of The Wall Street Journal, Daniel Pearl.

Masood Azhar named global terrorist: How it will affect the JeM chief?

After years of efforts by India, Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) chief <a href="https://www.wionews.com/pakistan/jem-chief-masood-azhar-designated-as-a-global-terrorist-in-un-sanctions-list-215076">Masood Azhar</a> has been designated a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/masood-azhar-named-global-terrorist-how-it-will-affect-the-jem-chief-215077">global terrorist by the UN </a>under the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) resolution 1267.

Azhar’s JeM was behind the Pulwama terrorist attack that killed 40 CRPF personnel in February.&nbsp;

China had put a hold in March on a fresh proposal by the US, UK and France to impose a ban on the chief of the JeM which claimed responsibility for the deadly Pulwama terror attack.

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Three UNSC members — US, UK and France — have been pursuing the case with China over the last two months, while New Delhi has also been engaging separately with Beijing.&nbsp;

India has always maintained that China should list Azhar since he is the leader of a terrorist group that has already been proscribed by the UN. &nbsp;

China’s turnaround came after Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale’s visit to Beijing last week, where India shared details of all the evidence on Masood Azhar, including links to the February 14 Pulwama attack for which the JeM had claimed responsibility.&nbsp;

During his visit, Gokhale met Chinese officials including Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi.&nbsp;

&nbsp;A statement from India's external affairs ministry said, "We have shared with China all pieces of evidence of terrorist activities of Jaish-e-Mohammad and its leader Masood Azhar. It is now for the 1267 Sanctions Committee and other authorized bodies of the U.N. to take a decision on the listing of Masood Azhar. "

The British High Commissioner Sir Dominic Asquith last week speaking to reporters expressed optimism on the listing of Azhar and said, "We are strong supporters of listing of Masood Azhar for a decade. So that we will get to that conclusion shortly."&nbsp;

After years of efforts by India, Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) chief Masood Azhar has been designated a global terrorist by the UN under the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) resolution 1267.

After years of efforts by India, Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) chief Masood Azhar has been designated a global terrorist by the UN under the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) resolution 1267. Azhar’s JeM was behind the Pulwama terrorist attack that killed 40 CRPF personnel in February. China had put a hold in March on a fresh proposal by the US, UK and France to impose a ban on the chief of the JeM which claimed responsibility for the deadly Pulwama terror attack. Three UNSC members — US, UK and France — have been pursuing the case with China over the last two months, while New Delhi has also been engaging separately with Beijing. India has always maintained that China should list Azhar since he is the leader of a terrorist group that has already been proscribed by the UN. China’s turnaround came after Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale’s visit to Beijing last week, where India shared details of all the evidence on Masood Azhar, including links to the February 14 Pulwama attack for which the JeM had claimed responsibility. During his visit, Gokhale met Chinese officials including Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi. A statement from India's external affairs ministry said, "We have shared with China all pieces of evidence of terrorist activities of Jaish-e-Mohammad and its leader Masood Azhar. It is now for the 1267 Sanctions Committee and other authorized bodies of the U.N. to take a decision on the listing of Masood Azhar. " The British High Commissioner Sir Dominic Asquith last week speaking to reporters expressed optimism on the listing of Azhar and said, "We are strong supporters of listing of Masood Azhar for a decade. So that we will get to that conclusion shortly."

China changed its stance on Masood Azhar after Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale's visit

China put a technical hold in March on a fresh proposal to impose a ban on the head of Pakistan-based JeM which claimed responsibility for the deadly Pulwama terror attack.

Masood Azhar ban efforts at final stage after positive result from China

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