India has asked the United Nations security council to strongly take up lack of implementations of sanctions under its 1257 committee even as some countries acting as "apologist for terrorist" continue to justify their inaction on the issue of terror.&nbsp;

The development comes against the backdrop of lack of implementation of UN sanctions by Pakistan. 26/11 mastermind Hafiz Saeed, who is on the UN terror list, continues to roam freely in the country despite being on the sanctions list.

India's permanent representative Syed Akbaruddin to UN speaking at the UNSC during adoption of a resolution on Preventing and Combating the Financing of Terrorism said, "Many Council resolutions, including the various sanctions measures under the 1267 and 1988 sanctions regimes, where asset freeze is a core part of states obligations call for regular reporting under these measures. A cursory look at the publicly available information on the website would reveal that the implementation reports on these sanctions measures have not been updated for years and in some cases more than a decade."

"Non-compliance of crucial sanctions measures in case of UN proscribed terrorists and entities renders all of us, Member States, at a high risk of facing challenges from these terrorist organizations who are well funded and armed despite international measures," Akbaruddin added.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
New milestone adopted by <a href="https://twitter.com/UN?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@UN</a> to Counter Terrorist Financing. 
 
Unfortunately, States who are apologists for terrorists will continue to provide alibis to justify their actions &amp; inaction too - <a href="https://twitter.com/IndiaUNNewYork?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@IndiaUNNewYork</a> 
<a href="https://t.co/OeupspHS38">https://t.co/OeupspHS38</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/zerotoleranceforTerror?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#zerotoleranceforTerror</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NoMoneyforTerror?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NoMoneyforTerror</a> <a href="https://t.co/vRNHdi86ku">pic.twitter.com/vRNHdi86ku</a>
— Syed Akbaruddin (@AkbaruddinIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/AkbaruddinIndia/status/1111439388288782336?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 29, 2019</a></blockquote>
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A report submitted by the UNSC 1267 sanctions monitoring team had on Jan 15, 2019, recommended that committee members write to member states in this regard. &nbsp;

Meanwhile, without taking the name of Pakistan, Indian Envoy to UN said certain countries will justify inaction on the issues of terror.&nbsp;

He said, " the unfortunate reality is that States who are apologists for terrorists will continue to provide alibis to justify their actions and inaction too".

Pakistan on Wednesday called India to give more evidence regarding Jaish-e-Mohammed's involvement in the Pulwama terror attack and said the locations provided by New Delhi in the Pulwama dossier have no terror camps. 
&nbsp;

India has asked the United Nations security council to strongly take up lack of implementations of sanctions under its 1257 committee even as some countries acting as "apologist for terrorist" continue to justify their inaction on the issue of terror.

India has asked the United Nations security council to strongly take up lack of implementations of sanctions under its 1257 committee even as some countries acting as "apologist for terrorist" continue to justify their inaction on the issue of terror. The development comes against the backdrop of lack of implementation of UN sanctions by Pakistan. 26/11 mastermind Hafiz Saeed, who is on the UN terror list, continues to roam freely in the country despite being on the sanctions list. India's permanent representative Syed Akbaruddin to UN speaking at the UNSC during adoption of a resolution on Preventing and Combating the Financing of Terrorism said, "Many Council resolutions, including the various sanctions measures under the 1267 and 1988 sanctions regimes, where asset freeze is a core part of states obligations call for regular reporting under these measures. A cursory look at the publicly available information on the website would reveal that the implementation reports on these sanctions measures have not been updated for years and in some cases more than a decade." "Non-compliance of crucial sanctions measures in case of UN proscribed terrorists and entities renders all of us, Member States, at a high risk of facing challenges from these terrorist organizations who are well funded and armed despite international measures," Akbaruddin added. New milestone adopted by @UN to Counter Terrorist Financing. Unfortunately, States who are apologists for terrorists will continue to provide alibis to justify their actions & inaction too - @IndiaUNNewYork https://t.co/OeupspHS38#zerotoleranceforTerror#NoMoneyforTerror pic.twitter.com/vRNHdi86ku — Syed Akbaruddin (@AkbaruddinIndia) March 29, 2019 × A report submitted by the UNSC 1267 sanctions monitoring team had on Jan 15, 2019, recommended that committee members write to member states in this regard. Meanwhile, without taking the name of Pakistan, Indian Envoy to UN said certain countries will justify inaction on the issues of terror. He said, " the unfortunate reality is that States who are apologists for terrorists will continue to provide alibis to justify their actions and inaction too". Pakistan on Wednesday called India to give more evidence regarding Jaish-e-Mohammed's involvement in the Pulwama terror attack and said the locations provided by New Delhi in the Pulwama dossier have no terror camps.

India urges UNSC to take up lack of implementation of sanctions, calls out Pak's inaction on terror   

India welcomes UN resolution to curb terror funding, says implementation is important

Did India’s first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, make a historic error by turning down an offer made, first, by the United States in 1950 and then, in 1955, by the Soviet Union to become a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC)?&nbsp;

Were these offers made at all? And if so, were they merely feelers, not a serious reflection of intent by the two superpowers at the beginning of the Cold War?

Two schools of thought have emerged. The first holds that the US and the USSR merely broached the subject of a permanent UNSC seat for India. The offer was a feeler. Nehru’s sister Vijaya Lakshmi Pandit, then India’s representative at the UN, was firmly against India “usurping” China’s claim to a permanent seat. Nehru agreed with her assessment. China, he wrote to her, is a great nation and deserves permanent membership of the UNSC.&nbsp;

Both he and his sister, highly influential in the US and at the UN, felt that India must be a neutral party in the Cold War. By accepting the offer of a permanent seat in the UNSC, however informal the offer was, the two Nehru siblings felt India would need to take sides in international crises like the Korean War. That would compromise India’s position as a founder of the non-aligned movement (NAM).

The second school of thought holds a diametrically opposite point of view. India misread the situation. It dismissed Washington’s overtures in 1950 when the US wanted to contain the influence of the People’s Republic of China (PRC) which had in 1949 won a civil war against Chiang Kai-Shek’s nationalists who fled to Taiwan and, as the Republic of China (ROC), represented the PRC at the UN from 1949 to 1971. The Soviets in 1955 too wanted India as a permanent member of the UNSC but Nehru again brushed off the offer as not being a serious one.&nbsp;

This, the second school of thought holds, amounted to compounding the earlier historic error of rejecting Washington’s offer of a UNSC seat in 1950 for which India, nearly 70 years later, is paying a heavy price.

Which of the two schools of thought has greater merit? For the answer, turn to original sources. In painstaking research, Anton Harder, a PhD scholar specialising in Sino-India relations, wrote in 2015: “The issue of India’s right to a seat on the UNSC has centred on Nehru not seizing several alleged opportunities for India to join the UNSC as a permanent member in the 1950s. The question, however, goes beyond Nehru’s reputation, as it provides rare insights into India’s relations with the United States and the People’s Republic of China (PRC) at the beginning of the Cold War.

“The 1955 offer from the Soviets is well-documented, although perhaps not widely known. The 1955 incident was publicly discussed in 2002 in print by AG Noorani, a major scholar of modern Indian history and politics. However, new evidence of an even earlier offer — by the US in August 1950 — to assist India in assuming a permanent seat at the UNSC has recently emerged, adding substantially to what Noorani earlier wrote. Nehru’s rejection of the US offer underlined the consistency of his conviction that the PRC’s legitimate interests must be acknowledged in order to reduce international tensions. Integrating the PRC into the international community by conceding its right to the Chinese seat at the Security Council was, in fact, a central pillar of Nehru’s foreign policy.

“The documents critical to answering these questions are stowed away in the Vijaya Lakshmi Pandit papers held at the Nehru Memorial Museum and Library (NMML). The importance of Pandit’s papers lies in her relationship with her brother Jawaharlal Nehru. The Pandit papers have not been deployed thus far in studies focused on India’s relationship with China. In late August 1950, Pandit wrote to her brother from Washington, DC, where she was then posted as India’s ambassador to the United States: ‘One matter that is being cooked up in the State Department should be known to you. This is the unseating of China as a Permanent Member in the Security Council and of India being put in her place.’

“Nehru’s response within the week was unequivocal: ‘In your letter, you mention that the State Department is trying to unseat China as a Permanent Member of the Security Council and to put India in her place. So far as we are concerned, we are not going to countenance it. That would be bad from every point of view. It would be a clear affront to China and it would mean some kind of a break between us and China.’”

The Indian establishment had quickly closed ranks around Nehru’s controversial historic decision. K Shankar Bajpai, former secretary in the MEA and ambassador to the US and China, told The Print last week: &nbsp;“It has become a fashion to blame Nehru for everything. To think that India could have taken China’s seat is utter nonsense.”

While the geopolitical imperatives of the 1950s cannot be viewed through a contemporary prism, Nehru’s decision to cede veto-carrying membership of the UNSC to China has led, decades later, to aggressive Chinese behaviour, including supporting Pakistan based Jaish-e-Mohammed founder Masood Azhar at the UNSC. Nehru, were he alive, would be mortified. 
&nbsp;

(This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the <a href="https://www.dnaindia.com/analysis/column-nehru-china-and-the-unsc-2733960">original article)</a>

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

Did India’s first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, make a historic error by turning down an offer made, first, by the United States in 1950 and then, in 1955, by the Soviet Union to become a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC)?

Did India’s first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, make a historic error by turning down an offer made, first, by the United States in 1950 and then, in 1955, by the Soviet Union to become a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC)? Were these offers made at all? And if so, were they merely feelers, not a serious reflection of intent by the two superpowers at the beginning of the Cold War? Two schools of thought have emerged. The first holds that the US and the USSR merely broached the subject of a permanent UNSC seat for India. The offer was a feeler. Nehru’s sister Vijaya Lakshmi Pandit, then India’s representative at the UN, was firmly against India “usurping” China’s claim to a permanent seat. Nehru agreed with her assessment. China, he wrote to her, is a great nation and deserves permanent membership of the UNSC. Both he and his sister, highly influential in the US and at the UN, felt that India must be a neutral party in the Cold War. By accepting the offer of a permanent seat in the UNSC, however informal the offer was, the two Nehru siblings felt India would need to take sides in international crises like the Korean War. That would compromise India’s position as a founder of the non-aligned movement (NAM). The second school of thought holds a diametrically opposite point of view. India misread the situation. It dismissed Washington’s overtures in 1950 when the US wanted to contain the influence of the People’s Republic of China (PRC) which had in 1949 won a civil war against Chiang Kai-Shek’s nationalists who fled to Taiwan and, as the Republic of China (ROC), represented the PRC at the UN from 1949 to 1971. The Soviets in 1955 too wanted India as a permanent member of the UNSC but Nehru again brushed off the offer as not being a serious one. This, the second school of thought holds, amounted to compounding the earlier historic error of rejecting Washington’s offer of a UNSC seat in 1950 for which India, nearly 70 years later, is paying a heavy price. Which of the two schools of thought has greater merit? For the answer, turn to original sources. In painstaking research, Anton Harder, a PhD scholar specialising in Sino-India relations, wrote in 2015: “The issue of India’s right to a seat on the UNSC has centred on Nehru not seizing several alleged opportunities for India to join the UNSC as a permanent member in the 1950s. The question, however, goes beyond Nehru’s reputation, as it provides rare insights into India’s relations with the United States and the People’s Republic of China (PRC) at the beginning of the Cold War. “The 1955 offer from the Soviets is well-documented, although perhaps not widely known. The 1955 incident was publicly discussed in 2002 in print by AG Noorani, a major scholar of modern Indian history and politics. However, new evidence of an even earlier offer — by the US in August 1950 — to assist India in assuming a permanent seat at the UNSC has recently emerged, adding substantially to what Noorani earlier wrote. Nehru’s rejection of the US offer underlined the consistency of his conviction that the PRC’s legitimate interests must be acknowledged in order to reduce international tensions. Integrating the PRC into the international community by conceding its right to the Chinese seat at the Security Council was, in fact, a central pillar of Nehru’s foreign policy. “The documents critical to answering these questions are stowed away in the Vijaya Lakshmi Pandit papers held at the Nehru Memorial Museum and Library (NMML). The importance of Pandit’s papers lies in her relationship with her brother Jawaharlal Nehru. The Pandit papers have not been deployed thus far in studies focused on India’s relationship with China. In late August 1950, Pandit wrote to her brother from Washington, DC, where she was then posted as India’s ambassador to the United States: ‘One matter that is being cooked up in the State Department should be known to you. This is the unseating of China as a Permanent Member in the Security Council and of India being put in her place.’ “Nehru’s response within the week was unequivocal: ‘In your letter, you mention that the State Department is trying to unseat China as a Permanent Member of the Security Council and to put India in her place. So far as we are concerned, we are not going to countenance it. That would be bad from every point of view. It would be a clear affront to China and it would mean some kind of a break between us and China.’” The Indian establishment had quickly closed ranks around Nehru’s controversial historic decision. K Shankar Bajpai, former secretary in the MEA and ambassador to the US and China, told The Print last week: “It has become a fashion to blame Nehru for everything. To think that India could have taken China’s seat is utter nonsense.” While the geopolitical imperatives of the 1950s cannot be viewed through a contemporary prism, Nehru’s decision to cede veto-carrying membership of the UNSC to China has led, decades later, to aggressive Chinese behaviour, including supporting Pakistan based Jaish-e-Mohammed founder Masood Azhar at the UNSC. Nehru, were he alive, would be mortified. (This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

Jawaharlal Nehru's decision to 'favour China' for UNSC seat led to Chinese aggressive behaviour

New bid by US to blacklist Azhar at UN; resolution needs 9 votes to pass

Days after China put on hold the listing of<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/there-is-time-for-continued-consultations-issue-will-be-resolved-china-to-india-on-masood-azhars-blacklisting-203822"> Masood Azhar as a terrorist</a> in the UNSC, discussions&nbsp;have&nbsp;started in the European Union(EU) regarding designation of Jaish-e-Mohammad(JeM) chief as a terrorist.

Confirming the development, Germany embassy spokesperson Hans Christian Winkler in Delhi told WION, "There are discussions for the listing of<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/willing-to-hold-more-talks-with-india-on-blacklisting-masood-azhar-china-203655">&nbsp;Masood Azhar by European Union</a>. Germany as part of EU member state is also taking part in the discussion"

On 15th March, France announced it will be putting a freeze on the assets of Azhar and will raise the issue with European Union. 
&nbsp; 
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."

Barring China, all UNSC members had agreed to list Masood Azhar as a terrorist under the UN terror list. The proposal was moved by USA, France and UK and supported by 14 of the 15 UN Security Council Members. Australia, Bangladesh, Italy and Japan co-sponsored the move.

China in 2009, 2016, 2017 has put a hold on the listing of Masood Azhar. The hold this time continues for nine&nbsp;months before which Beijing has to take a&nbsp;decision on listing of Azhar.

JeM&nbsp;is the United Nations listed Pakistan-based terror group responsible for the Pulwama terror attack on 14th February that killed more 40 CRPF personnel.

Days after China put on hold the listing of Masood Azhar as a terrorist in the UNSC, discussions have started in the European Union(EU) regarding designation of Jaish-e-Mohammad(JeM) chief as a terrorist.

Days after China put on hold the listing of Masood Azhar as a terrorist in the UNSC, discussions have started in the European Union(EU) regarding designation of Jaish-e-Mohammad(JeM) chief as a terrorist. Confirming the development, Germany embassy spokesperson Hans Christian Winkler in Delhi told WION, "There are discussions for the listing of Masood Azhar by European Union. Germany as part of EU member state is also taking part in the discussion" On 15th March, France announced it will be putting a freeze on the assets of Azhar and will raise the issue with 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." Barring China, all UNSC members had agreed to list Masood Azhar as a terrorist under the UN terror list. The proposal was moved by USA, France and UK and supported by 14 of the 15 UN Security Council Members. Australia, Bangladesh, Italy and Japan co-sponsored the move. China in 2009, 2016, 2017 has put a hold on the listing of Masood Azhar. The hold this time continues for nine months before which Beijing has to take a decision on listing of Azhar. JeM is the United Nations listed Pakistan-based terror group responsible for the Pulwama terror attack on 14th February that killed more 40 CRPF personnel.

European Union begins discussions on declaring Masood Azhar a terrorist

India has said that it is cautiously confident that eventually Masood Azhar, the chief of Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) terror outfit, will be listed as a global terrorist. India continues to work with members of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) regarding his blacklisting under the United Nations.

Three days after <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/china-defends-move-to-block-ban-on-jem-chief-masood-azhar-says-needs-time-to-conduct-thorough-probe-203277">China placed a "technical hold"</a> at the United Nations on the listing of Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Masood Azhar as an international terrorist, India has expressed optimism stating that it will continue to push for Azhar's blacklisting for "as long as it takes".&nbsp;

India is encouraged by the fact that 14 out of 15 members of the UNSC backed the proposal which was introduced by US, UK and France in February end which shows Islamabad's isolation and its indictment on the issue of terror.

New Delhi has also clarified it will not be cutting any deal regarding Azhar's listing with any country as terror is a non-negotiable issue.&nbsp;

China has been blocking the listing of Azhar as a terrorist since 2009 and last week put a hold on his listing again for the fourth time. The hold continues for 9 months before which a decision on the JeM chief's blacklisting has to be made.

WION has learnt that New Delhi is willing to give more time to Beijing and is in touch with it. New Delhi said that China understands that terror remains a major challenge and that there are a number of terror groups located in Pakistan.

A government source told WION that India will wait patiently and will not rest until Azhar is listed, adding that New Delhi is prepared for a long haul.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, the United States continues to support New Delhi. India's foreign secretary Vijay Gokhale was in Washington last week and met US secretary of state Mike Pompeo and US national security advisor John Bolton. India raised the issue of cross border terror emanating&nbsp;from Pakistan and its use of F16s in an offensive action against India on February 27.&nbsp;

The US has taken note of India's concerns and agreed to seriously look into the matter. New Delhi hopes the US will soon go public with Pakistan's use of F16s and AMRAAM missiles against India. The US pointed out that the weapon system was given to Pakistan at an earlier period in their ties.

The US appreciated the fact that India kept them informed in real time during New Delhi's counter-terror efforts and Pakistan's launch of military strikes.

Meanwhile, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/willing-to-hold-more-talks-with-india-on-blacklisting-masood-azhar-china-203655">China said on Friday it was willing to have more discussions</a> with all parties concerned including India on blacklisting the head of Pakistan-based militant group Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), which claimed responsibility for the attack on a CRPF convoy in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama in February.

India has said that it is cautiously confident that eventually Masood Azhar, the chief of Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) terror outfit, will be listed as a global terrorist.

India has said that it is cautiously confident that eventually Masood Azhar, the chief of Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) terror outfit, will be listed as a global terrorist. India continues to work with members of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) regarding his blacklisting under the United Nations. Three days after China placed a "technical hold" at the United Nations on the listing of Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Masood Azhar as an international terrorist, India has expressed optimism stating that it will continue to push for Azhar's blacklisting for "as long as it takes". India is encouraged by the fact that 14 out of 15 members of the UNSC backed the proposal which was introduced by US, UK and France in February end which shows Islamabad's isolation and its indictment on the issue of terror. New Delhi has also clarified it will not be cutting any deal regarding Azhar's listing with any country as terror is a non-negotiable issue. China has been blocking the listing of Azhar as a terrorist since 2009 and last week put a hold on his listing again for the fourth time. The hold continues for 9 months before which a decision on the JeM chief's blacklisting has to be made. WION has learnt that New Delhi is willing to give more time to Beijing and is in touch with it. New Delhi said that China understands that terror remains a major challenge and that there are a number of terror groups located in Pakistan. A government source told WION that India will wait patiently and will not rest until Azhar is listed, adding that New Delhi is prepared for a long haul. Meanwhile, the United States continues to support New Delhi. India's foreign secretary Vijay Gokhale was in Washington last week and met US secretary of state Mike Pompeo and US national security advisor John Bolton. India raised the issue of cross border terror emanating from Pakistan and its use of F16s in an offensive action against India on February 27. The US has taken note of India's concerns and agreed to seriously look into the matter. New Delhi hopes the US will soon go public with Pakistan's use of F16s and AMRAAM missiles against India. The US pointed out that the weapon system was given to Pakistan at an earlier period in their ties. The US appreciated the fact that India kept them informed in real time during New Delhi's counter-terror efforts and Pakistan's launch of military strikes. Meanwhile, China said on Friday it was willing to have more discussions with all parties concerned including India on blacklisting the head of Pakistan-based militant group Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), which claimed responsibility for the attack on a CRPF convoy in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama in February.

Will show patience with China 'as long as it takes': India on blacklisting Masood Azhar

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/masood-azhars-unsc-listing-china-hints-it-may-block-move-to-declare-him-a-global-terrorist-203145">China has again blocked India's bid</a> to have Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Masood Azhar designated a global terrorist.&nbsp;A diplomat at the UN told PTI that China had put a "technical hold" on the bid.&nbsp;

The proposal to designate Azhar under the 1267 Al Qaeda Sanctions Committee of the UN Security Council was moved by France, the UK and the US on February 27, days after a suicide bomber of the Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) killed 44 CRPF soldiers in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama, leading to a flare-up in tensions between India and Pakistan.

The Al Qaeda Sanctions Committee members had 10 working days to raise any objections to the proposal. The no-objection period deadline was scheduled to end at 3 PM local time (New York) Wednesday, (12:30 AM IST Thursday).

Just before the close of the deadline, China put a hold on the proposal.

The diplomat said China asked for "more time to examine" the proposal.

The proposal was the fourth such bid at the UN in the last 10 years to list Azhar as a global terrorist.

The Committee makes its decisions by consensus of its members.

All eyes were on China, which has in the past blocked India's bids to get Azhar listed as a UN-designated global terrorist thrice.

According to the listing rules of the Al Qaeda Sanctions Committee, if no objection is received by the end of the no-objection period, the decision will be deemed adopted.

As it has done in the past, Beijing put a technical hold on the proposal just as the deadline was about to end.

An inkling of China's stand on the issue came during Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Lu Kang's press conferences on Monday and Wednesday in Beijing when he was asked about the proposal to list Azhar as a global terrorist by the UNSC.

"The UN Security Council and its subsidiary bodies are run on strict rules?. We already stressed China's position on the listing of terrorist organisations and individuals in the UN Security Council 1267 Committee on many occasions," Lu said on Monday.

"China will continue to adopt responsible attitude and participate in the deliberations in the UNSC 1267 Committee," Lu said on Wednesday.

On the issue of listing Azhar, he said, "I want to say that China always adopts a responsible attitude, engage in consultations with various parties and properly deal with this issue."

"The discussions, I want to say must follow the rules and procedures of the relevant bodies and only the solution that is acceptable to all sides is conducive for resolving the issue," he said, indicating that Beijing may again block the move to list Azhar as a global terrorist.

According to sources, the statement of the case of the latest proposal by France mentioned that JeM had taken responsibility for the Pulwama suicide attack on February 14 in which 40 Central Reserve Police Force personnel were killed.

The statement also noted that Azhar is a former leader of the terrorist group Harakat al-Mujahadin and he had given a call to volunteers to join the fight in Afghanistan against Western forces.

In 2009, India moved a proposal by itself to designate Azhar. In 2016 again 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 air base 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 UN Security Council, blocked India's proposal from being adopted by the Sanctions Committee.

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 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 to the designated individuals and entities.

Hectic diplomatic and political parleys had preceded the closely-watched March 13 deadline as New Delhi reached out to the UNSC member countries.

In the wake of the Pulwama terror attack, India launched a major diplomatic offensive against Pakistan, holding briefing for envoys of 25 countries, including those from the five permanent UNSC members -- the United States, China, Russia, the United Kingdom and France -- to highlight Islamabad's role in using terrorism as an instrument of state policy.

India also handed over to Pakistan a dossier on "specific details" of involvement of the JeM in the Pulwama terror attack.&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

China has again blocked India's bid to have Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Masood Azhar designated a global terrorist. A diplomat at the UN told PTI that China had put a "technical hold" on the bid.

China has again blocked India's bid to have Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Masood Azhar designated a global terrorist. A diplomat at the UN told PTI that China had put a "technical hold" on the bid. The proposal to designate Azhar under the 1267 Al Qaeda Sanctions Committee of the UN Security Council was moved by France, the UK and the US on February 27, days after a suicide bomber of the Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) killed 44 CRPF soldiers in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama, leading to a flare-up in tensions between India and Pakistan. The Al Qaeda Sanctions Committee members had 10 working days to raise any objections to the proposal. The no-objection period deadline was scheduled to end at 3 PM local time (New York) Wednesday, (12:30 AM IST Thursday). Just before the close of the deadline, China put a hold on the proposal. The diplomat said China asked for "more time to examine" the proposal. The proposal was the fourth such bid at the UN in the last 10 years to list Azhar as a global terrorist. The Committee makes its decisions by consensus of its members. All eyes were on China, which has in the past blocked India's bids to get Azhar listed as a UN-designated global terrorist thrice. According to the listing rules of the Al Qaeda Sanctions Committee, if no objection is received by the end of the no-objection period, the decision will be deemed adopted. As it has done in the past, Beijing put a technical hold on the proposal just as the deadline was about to end. An inkling of China's stand on the issue came during Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Lu Kang's press conferences on Monday and Wednesday in Beijing when he was asked about the proposal to list Azhar as a global terrorist by the UNSC. "The UN Security Council and its subsidiary bodies are run on strict rules?. We already stressed China's position on the listing of terrorist organisations and individuals in the UN Security Council 1267 Committee on many occasions," Lu said on Monday. "China will continue to adopt responsible attitude and participate in the deliberations in the UNSC 1267 Committee," Lu said on Wednesday. On the issue of listing Azhar, he said, "I want to say that China always adopts a responsible attitude, engage in consultations with various parties and properly deal with this issue." "The discussions, I want to say must follow the rules and procedures of the relevant bodies and only the solution that is acceptable to all sides is conducive for resolving the issue," he said, indicating that Beijing may again block the move to list Azhar as a global terrorist. According to sources, the statement of the case of the latest proposal by France mentioned that JeM had taken responsibility for the Pulwama suicide attack on February 14 in which 40 Central Reserve Police Force personnel were killed. The statement also noted that Azhar is a former leader of the terrorist group Harakat al-Mujahadin and he had given a call to volunteers to join the fight in Afghanistan against Western forces. In 2009, India moved a proposal by itself to designate Azhar. In 2016 again 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 air base 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 UN Security Council, blocked India's proposal from being adopted by the Sanctions Committee. 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 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 to the designated individuals and entities. Hectic diplomatic and political parleys had preceded the closely-watched March 13 deadline as New Delhi reached out to the UNSC member countries. In the wake of the Pulwama terror attack, India launched a major diplomatic offensive against Pakistan, holding briefing for envoys of 25 countries, including those from the five permanent UNSC members -- the United States, China, Russia, the United Kingdom and France -- to highlight Islamabad's role in using terrorism as an instrument of state policy. India also handed over to Pakistan a dossier on "specific details" of involvement of the JeM in the Pulwama terror attack.

China again blocks India's bid to have Masood Azhar designated a global terrorist 

What is the 1267 committee of the UNSC?

A day after China blocked the listing of Pakistan Masood Azhar from United Nations terror list, it's clear that global geopolitics in play with Beijing backing Pakistan due to its high stakes in the country especially the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) connectivity project.

Masood Azhar is the chief of Pakistan based UN-listed terror group Jaish-e- Mohammad (JeM), the group responsible for the Pulwama terror attack that killed more than 40 CRPF personnel in Jammu and Kashmir.

The Chinese foreign spokesperson replying to a question on the rationale of Beijing stand said the country needs more time to study the case.

Lu Kang, spokesperson for Chinese Foreign Ministry said, "China conducted a comprehensive and in-depth evaluation on the listing applications submitted by the countries concerned in the 1267 Committee. We still need more time and thus put forward a technical hold, which is in full compliance with the rules of procedure of the 1267 Committee of the Security Council."

Reiterating what Beijing said on Wednesday, the deadline for listing Masood Azhar, Kang said, "We sincerely hope that the relevant actions of the 1267 Committee can help the countries concerned to resolve the issue through dialogue and avoid adding complex factors that endanger peace and stability of the region."

India has already expressed its disappointment on China's "hold" to Azhar's listing.

The United States embassy in Delhi in a statement expressed regret and said: "With respect to China, the United States and China share a mutual interest in achieving regional stability and peace, and a failure to designate Azhar runs counter to this goal."

The US had already made it clear that Masood Azhar is the founder and leader of and "clearly meets the criteria for the designation" by the United Nations.&nbsp;

JeM has been responsible for numerous terrorist attacks including the 2001 Parliament attack, Pathankote attack and the Pulwama terror attack.

During foreign secretary, Vijay Gokhale's meet with US National security Advisor John Bolton terrorism emanating from Pakistan was discussed.&nbsp;

In a tweet, Bolton said, "Met with Indian FS Gokhale to advance progress on the US-India strategic partnership &amp; our shared vision for the Indo-Pacific, as well as reiterate that the U.S. stands shoulder-to-shoulder with India in the fight against terrorism."

A statement from Indian embassy in Washington said, both India and US "underlined the importance of Pakistan taking tangible and irreversible action against terrorist groups based in territories under its control and denial of safe haven for these groups to launch cross - border attacks."

NSA Bolton has spoken to Indian National security Advisor Ajit Doval three times since the Pulwama attack and supported Indian action on terrorism.

Meanwhile, a United Nations Security Council diplomat speaking on anonymity to News Agency PTI said, "If China continues to block this designation, responsible member states may be forced to pursue other actions at the Security Council. It shouldn’t have to come to that.”

“Pakistan has quite often depended on China to protect it from the listing of Pakistan-based terrorist groups and individuals in the UN 1267 sanctions committee. The case for designating Masood Azhar – the leader of a group the UN already calls an Al-Qaeda-affiliated terrorist organization – is undeniable," he added.

The Chinese move comes even as New Delhi and Beijing saw "resetting" of ties after the famous informal Wuhan Summit. The Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping met four times in 2018 and the latter will be coming to India in 2019 for the second informal summit. 
&nbsp;

A day after China blocked the listing of Pakistan Masood Azhar from United Nations terror list, it's clear that global geopolitics in play with Beijing backing Pakistan due to its high stakes in the country especially the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) connectivity project.

A day after China blocked the listing of Pakistan Masood Azhar from United Nations terror list, it's clear that global geopolitics in play with Beijing backing Pakistan due to its high stakes in the country especially the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) connectivity project. Masood Azhar is the chief of Pakistan based UN-listed terror group Jaish-e- Mohammad (JeM), the group responsible for the Pulwama terror attack that killed more than 40 CRPF personnel in Jammu and Kashmir. The Chinese foreign spokesperson replying to a question on the rationale of Beijing stand said the country needs more time to study the case. Lu Kang, spokesperson for Chinese Foreign Ministry said, "China conducted a comprehensive and in-depth evaluation on the listing applications submitted by the countries concerned in the 1267 Committee. We still need more time and thus put forward a technical hold, which is in full compliance with the rules of procedure of the 1267 Committee of the Security Council." Reiterating what Beijing said on Wednesday, the deadline for listing Masood Azhar, Kang said, "We sincerely hope that the relevant actions of the 1267 Committee can help the countries concerned to resolve the issue through dialogue and avoid adding complex factors that endanger peace and stability of the region." India has already expressed its disappointment on China's "hold" to Azhar's listing. The United States embassy in Delhi in a statement expressed regret and said: "With respect to China, the United States and China share a mutual interest in achieving regional stability and peace, and a failure to designate Azhar runs counter to this goal." The US had already made it clear that Masood Azhar is the founder and leader of and "clearly meets the criteria for the designation" by the United Nations. JeM has been responsible for numerous terrorist attacks including the 2001 Parliament attack, Pathankote attack and the Pulwama terror attack. During foreign secretary, Vijay Gokhale's meet with US National security Advisor John Bolton terrorism emanating from Pakistan was discussed. In a tweet, Bolton said, "Met with Indian FS Gokhale to advance progress on the US-India strategic partnership & our shared vision for the Indo-Pacific, as well as reiterate that the U.S. stands shoulder-to-shoulder with India in the fight against terrorism." A statement from Indian embassy in Washington said, both India and US "underlined the importance of Pakistan taking tangible and irreversible action against terrorist groups based in territories under its control and denial of safe haven for these groups to launch cross - border attacks." NSA Bolton has spoken to Indian National security Advisor Ajit Doval three times since the Pulwama attack and supported Indian action on terrorism. Meanwhile, a United Nations Security Council diplomat speaking on anonymity to News Agency PTI said, "If China continues to block this designation, responsible member states may be forced to pursue other actions at the Security Council. It shouldn’t have to come to that.” “Pakistan has quite often depended on China to protect it from the listing of Pakistan-based terrorist groups and individuals in the UN 1267 sanctions committee. The case for designating Masood Azhar – the leader of a group the UN already calls an Al-Qaeda-affiliated terrorist organization – is undeniable," he added. The Chinese move comes even as New Delhi and Beijing saw "resetting" of ties after the famous informal Wuhan Summit. The Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping met four times in 2018 and the latter will be coming to India in 2019 for the second informal summit.

Day After China played chequers in UN, Beijing says need more time, US fumes

After China blocked <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/were-disappointed-says-india-after-china-blocks-move-to-designate-masood-azhar-as-a-global-terrorist-203180">United Nations Security Council's</a>(UNSC) bid to designate Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Masood Azhar as a global terrorist, the US embassy in a statement said that it will continue working with the sanctions committee to ensure that the designations list is updated and accurate.

Before the close of the deadline, China put the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/china-again-blocks-indias-bid-to-have-masood-azhar-designated-a-global-terrorist-203175">UNSC proposal on hold seeking</a> "more time to examine" to examine the case. China has vetoed the proposal on Azhar on three separate&nbsp;occasions&nbsp;earlier - 2009, 2016 and 2017.

The proposal was the fourth such bid at the UN in the last 10 years to list Azhar as a global terrorist. According to the listing rules of the Al Qaeda Sanctions Committee, if no objection is received by the end of the no-objection period, the decision will be deemed adopted.

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/XXlvjcQFaH4" width="560"></iframe>

The proposal to designate Azhar under the 1267 Al Qaeda Sanctions Committee of the UN Security Council was moved by France, the UK and the US on February 27, days after a suicide bomber of the Jaish-e-Mohammed(JeM) killed 44 CRPF soldiers in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama, leading to a flare-up in tensions between India and Pakistan.

Meanwhile, the ministry of external affairs(MEA) in a statement said: "We will continue to pursue all available avenues to ensure that terrorists involved in attacks on Indian citizens are brought to justice."

"We are disappointed," the MEA added.

"We are grateful to all countries who supported the bid to designate Azhar as a global terrorist," MEA said.

External affairs minister Sushma Swaraj had said on Wednesday that India cannot have dialogue with Pakistan unless the neighbouring country acted against terror outfits on its soil, asserting that "talks and terror cannot go together".

After China blocked United Nations Security Council's(UNSC) bid to designate Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Masood Azhar as a global terrorist, the US embassy in a statement said that it will continue working with the sanctions committee to ensure that the designations list is updated and accurate.

After China blocked United Nations Security Council's(UNSC) bid to designate Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Masood Azhar as a global terrorist, the US embassy in a statement said that it will continue working with the sanctions committee to ensure that the designations list is updated and accurate. Before the close of the deadline, China put the UNSC proposal on hold seeking "more time to examine" to examine the case. China has vetoed the proposal on Azhar on three separate occasions earlier - 2009, 2016 and 2017. The proposal was the fourth such bid at the UN in the last 10 years to list Azhar as a global terrorist. According to the listing rules of the Al Qaeda Sanctions Committee, if no objection is received by the end of the no-objection period, the decision will be deemed adopted. The proposal to designate Azhar under the 1267 Al Qaeda Sanctions Committee of the UN Security Council was moved by France, the UK and the US on February 27, days after a suicide bomber of the Jaish-e-Mohammed(JeM) killed 44 CRPF soldiers in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama, leading to a flare-up in tensions between India and Pakistan. Meanwhile, the ministry of external affairs(MEA) in a statement said: "We will continue to pursue all available avenues to ensure that terrorists involved in attacks on Indian citizens are brought to justice." "We are disappointed," the MEA added. "We are grateful to all countries who supported the bid to designate Azhar as a global terrorist," MEA said. External affairs minister Sushma Swaraj had said on Wednesday that India cannot have dialogue with Pakistan unless the neighbouring country acted against terror outfits on its soil, asserting that "talks and terror cannot go together".

Will continue to work with sanctions committee to ensure designations list is updated, US on Masood Azhar

Outraged by China blocking for the fourth time a move to designate <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/were-disappointed-says-india-after-china-blocks-move-to-designate-masood-azhar-as-a-global-terrorist-203180">JeM chief Masood Azhar </a>a global terrorist, responsible <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/china-again-blocks-indias-bid-to-have-masood-azhar-designated-a-global-terrorist-203175">UNSC members</a> warned they "may be forced to pursue other actions" at the Security Council if Beijing continued with this policy. 
&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; 
"If China continues to block this designation, responsible member-states may be forced to pursue other actions at the Security Council. It shouldn't have to come to that," a Security Council diplomat told PTI in an unusually tough warning to China. 
&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; 
The diplomat spoke on condition of anonymity to give a sense of the feeling of other members of the Security Council after China blocked the move to designate Azhar a global terrorist. Beijing previously put a technical hold on similar proposals at the UNSC thrice. 
&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; 
In the aftermath of the Pulwama terrorist attack, three permanent members of Security Council — the US, France and the UK — had moved a resolution to designate Azhar a glocal terrorist. 
&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; 
Except for China, which wields veto power in the Security Council, all other UNSC members were on board with the move before the al-Qaida (1267) Sanctions Committee. 
&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; 
India has expressed disappointment over China's decision but said it will "pursue all available avenues" to bring to justice terrorist leaders involved in the attack on Indians. 
&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; 
"This is the fourth time that China has placed a hold on this listing. China should not prevent the Committee from doing the job the Security Council has entrusted it to do," another security council diplomat told PTI in response to a question. 
&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; 
"China's move to hold the listing is inconsistent with its own stated goals of combatting terrorism and furthering regional stability in South Asia," said the diplomat, requesting not to be named to speak frankly, given that the deliberations of the UN sanctions committee are confidential, thus preventing member-countries from talking about it in public. 
&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; 
The second security council diplomat also slammed Pakistan for depending on China to protect terrorist groups and leaders that operate from its soil. 
&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; 
"Pakistan has quite often depended on China to protect it from the listing of Pakistan-based terrorist groups and individuals in the UN 1267 sanctions committee," the diplomat said. 
&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; 
"The case for designating Masood Azhar — the leader of a group the UN already calls an al-Qaeda-affiliated terrorist organization — is undeniable," the diplomat said. 
&nbsp; &nbsp; 
On Tuesday, the Trump administration had said that Azhar meets the criteria for designation by the United Nations. 
&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; 
"Our views on Jaish-e-Mohammad and its founder are well known. JeM is a UN-designated terrorist group," State Department deputy spokesperson Robert Palladino told reporters. 
&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; 
"Azhar is the founder and the leader of JEM, and he meets the criteria for designation by the United Nations. JEM has been responsible for numerous terrorist attacks and is a threat to regional stability and peace," Palladino said.

The State Department referred to this statement on Wednesday when asked about the latest developments in New York. 
&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; 
“I would say that the United States and China share a mutual interest in achieving regional stability and peace and that a failure to designate Azhar would run counter to this goal,” Palladino said. 
&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; 
Congressman Brad Sherman described the Chinese move as unacceptable. 
&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; 
“Once again, China has blocked the UN from imposing sanctions on Masood Azhar, the leader of Jaish-e-Mohammed, which carried out the Pulwama attack in India in February. This is unacceptable,” he said. 
&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; 
“I urge Beijing to allow the UN to place sanctions on Azhar, the leader of a UN-recognized terrorist organization,” Sherman said. 
&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; 
Several American think-tank members slammed China for its decision delaying the Azhar listing. 
&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; 
“Today, China doubled down on a very bad bet. It blocked yet another round of UN sanctions on Pakistan-based JeM chief Masood Azhar weeks after the group claimed credit for the deadliest terror attack in Kashmir,” Jeff Smith from the Heritage Foundation said. 
&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; 
“This one won't be undone by another romantic stroll through Wuhan,” he said, indicating that such a move by Beijing would only escalate the tension between India and China. 
&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; 
“Not entirely unexpected, but nonetheless a slap to India's face after last month's bloody suicide-bombing in Kashmir. Also raises serious questions about the benefits of Modi’s photo-op diplomacy with Xi Jinping,” tweeted Sadanand Dhume from American Enterprise Institute.

Outraged by China blocking for the fourth time a move to designate JeM chief Masood Azhar a global terrorist, responsible UNSC members warned they "may be forced to pursue other actions" at the Security Council if Beijing continued with this policy.

Outraged by China blocking for the fourth time a move to designate JeM chief Masood Azhar a global terrorist, responsible UNSC members warned they "may be forced to pursue other actions" at the Security Council if Beijing continued with this policy. "If China continues to block this designation, responsible member-states may be forced to pursue other actions at the Security Council. It shouldn't have to come to that," a Security Council diplomat told PTI in an unusually tough warning to China. The diplomat spoke on condition of anonymity to give a sense of the feeling of other members of the Security Council after China blocked the move to designate Azhar a global terrorist. Beijing previously put a technical hold on similar proposals at the UNSC thrice. In the aftermath of the Pulwama terrorist attack, three permanent members of Security Council — the US, France and the UK — had moved a resolution to designate Azhar a glocal terrorist. Except for China, which wields veto power in the Security Council, all other UNSC members were on board with the move before the al-Qaida (1267) Sanctions Committee. India has expressed disappointment over China's decision but said it will "pursue all available avenues" to bring to justice terrorist leaders involved in the attack on Indians. "This is the fourth time that China has placed a hold on this listing. China should not prevent the Committee from doing the job the Security Council has entrusted it to do," another security council diplomat told PTI in response to a question. "China's move to hold the listing is inconsistent with its own stated goals of combatting terrorism and furthering regional stability in South Asia," said the diplomat, requesting not to be named to speak frankly, given that the deliberations of the UN sanctions committee are confidential, thus preventing member-countries from talking about it in public. The second security council diplomat also slammed Pakistan for depending on China to protect terrorist groups and leaders that operate from its soil. "Pakistan has quite often depended on China to protect it from the listing of Pakistan-based terrorist groups and individuals in the UN 1267 sanctions committee," the diplomat said. "The case for designating Masood Azhar — the leader of a group the UN already calls an al-Qaeda-affiliated terrorist organization — is undeniable," the diplomat said. On Tuesday, the Trump administration had said that Azhar meets the criteria for designation by the United Nations. "Our views on Jaish-e-Mohammad and its founder are well known. JeM is a UN-designated terrorist group," State Department deputy spokesperson Robert Palladino told reporters. "Azhar is the founder and the leader of JEM, and he meets the criteria for designation by the United Nations. JEM has been responsible for numerous terrorist attacks and is a threat to regional stability and peace," Palladino said. The State Department referred to this statement on Wednesday when asked about the latest developments in New York. “I would say that the United States and China share a mutual interest in achieving regional stability and peace and that a failure to designate Azhar would run counter to this goal,” Palladino said. Congressman Brad Sherman described the Chinese move as unacceptable. “Once again, China has blocked the UN from imposing sanctions on Masood Azhar, the leader of Jaish-e-Mohammed, which carried out the Pulwama attack in India in February. This is unacceptable,” he said. “I urge Beijing to allow the UN to place sanctions on Azhar, the leader of a UN-recognized terrorist organization,” Sherman said. Several American think-tank members slammed China for its decision delaying the Azhar listing. “Today, China doubled down on a very bad bet. It blocked yet another round of UN sanctions on Pakistan-based JeM chief Masood Azhar weeks after the group claimed credit for the deadliest terror attack in Kashmir,” Jeff Smith from the Heritage Foundation said. “This one won't be undone by another romantic stroll through Wuhan,” he said, indicating that such a move by Beijing would only escalate the tension between India and China. “Not entirely unexpected, but nonetheless a slap to India's face after last month's bloody suicide-bombing in Kashmir. Also raises serious questions about the benefits of Modi’s photo-op diplomacy with Xi Jinping,” tweeted Sadanand Dhume from American Enterprise Institute.

Responsible UNSC members may be forced to pursue other actions: UNSC diplomat on Masood Azhar

China on Thursday sought to defend its fourth technical hold at the UN Security Council to block the designation of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/were-disappointed-says-india-after-china-blocks-move-to-designate-masood-azhar-as-a-global-terrorist-203180">Pakistan-based JeM chief Masood Azhar</a> as a global terrorist, saying it would help the parties concerned to engage in more talks to find a "lasting solution" acceptable to all.

The proposal to designate Azhar under the 1267 Al Qaeda Sanctions Committee of the UN Security Council was moved by France, the UK and the US on February 27, days after a suicide bomber of the Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) killed 40 CRPF soldiers in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama, leading to a flare-up in tensions between India and Pakistan.

The Al Qaeda Sanctions Committee members had 10 working days to raise any objections to the proposal. Just before the deadline ended, China put a "technical hold" on the proposal seeking "more time to examine" it.

The proposal was the fourth such bid at the UN in the last 10 years to list Azhar as a global terrorist.

Asked why China once again resorted to block the move, Foreign Ministry spokesman Lu Kang told a media briefing here that Beijing's decision is in line with the rules of the committee.

China "sincerely hopes that relevant action taken by this committee will help relevant countries to engage in dialogue and consultation and prevent adding more complicated factors into regional peace and stability," he said.

"As to the technical hold at the 1267 Committee our action is to make sure that the committee will have enough time to study the matter so that the relevant sides will have time for dialogue and consultation," Lu said.

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"Only a solution that is acceptable to all sides could fundamentally provide a chance for a lasting solution to the issue. China is ready to communicate and coordinate with all sides including India to properly handle this issue," he said.

India Wednesday expressed disappointment soon after China put a technical hold on designating Azhar.

The External Affairs Ministry in New Delhi said India will continue to pursue all available avenues to ensure that leaders of terror groups involved in heinous attacks on Indian citizens are brought to justice.

"This has prevented action by the international community to designate the leader of Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), a proscribed and active terrorist organization which has claimed responsibility for the terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir on February 14," the MEA said.

Without naming China, it said the UN's 1267 Sanctions Committee was not able to come to a decision on the proposal for listing Azhar on account of a member placing the proposal on hold.

To another question on the Wuhan summit between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping last year to improve the bilateral relations, Lu said, "Xi and Modi met four times. Particularly Wuhan summit made great progress. China is full of sincerity and ready to work with India to build on the consensus of our leaders for greater progress in the bilateral relations."

On the Kashmir issue, Lu said China's position on it is clear and consistent. 
"This is an issue that is left over between India and Pakistan. We hope that the two sides will engage in friendly dialogue consultation and solve this issue and other related issues," he said.

China on Thursday sought to defend its fourth technical hold at the UN Security Council to block the designation of Pakistan-based JeM chief Masood Azhar as a global terrorist, saying it would help the parties concerned to engage in more talks to find a "lasting solution" acceptable to all.

China on Thursday sought to defend its fourth technical hold at the UN Security Council to block the designation of Pakistan-based JeM chief Masood Azhar as a global terrorist, saying it would help the parties concerned to engage in more talks to find a "lasting solution" acceptable to all. The proposal to designate Azhar under the 1267 Al Qaeda Sanctions Committee of the UN Security Council was moved by France, the UK and the US on February 27, days after a suicide bomber of the Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) killed 40 CRPF soldiers in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama, leading to a flare-up in tensions between India and Pakistan. The Al Qaeda Sanctions Committee members had 10 working days to raise any objections to the proposal. Just before the deadline ended, China put a "technical hold" on the proposal seeking "more time to examine" it. The proposal was the fourth such bid at the UN in the last 10 years to list Azhar as a global terrorist. Asked why China once again resorted to block the move, Foreign Ministry spokesman Lu Kang told a media briefing here that Beijing's decision is in line with the rules of the committee. China "sincerely hopes that relevant action taken by this committee will help relevant countries to engage in dialogue and consultation and prevent adding more complicated factors into regional peace and stability," he said. "As to the technical hold at the 1267 Committee our action is to make sure that the committee will have enough time to study the matter so that the relevant sides will have time for dialogue and consultation," Lu said. × "Only a solution that is acceptable to all sides could fundamentally provide a chance for a lasting solution to the issue. China is ready to communicate and coordinate with all sides including India to properly handle this issue," he said. India Wednesday expressed disappointment soon after China put a technical hold on designating Azhar. The External Affairs Ministry in New Delhi said India will continue to pursue all available avenues to ensure that leaders of terror groups involved in heinous attacks on Indian citizens are brought to justice. "This has prevented action by the international community to designate the leader of Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), a proscribed and active terrorist organization which has claimed responsibility for the terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir on February 14," the MEA said. Without naming China, it said the UN's 1267 Sanctions Committee was not able to come to a decision on the proposal for listing Azhar on account of a member placing the proposal on hold. To another question on the Wuhan summit between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping last year to improve the bilateral relations, Lu said, "Xi and Modi met four times. Particularly Wuhan summit made great progress. China is full of sincerity and ready to work with India to build on the consensus of our leaders for greater progress in the bilateral relations." On the Kashmir issue, Lu said China's position on it is clear and consistent. "This is an issue that is left over between India and Pakistan. We hope that the two sides will engage in friendly dialogue consultation and solve this issue and other related issues," he said.

China defends move to block ban on JeM chief Masood Azhar, says needs time to conduct thorough probe

Will China take a stand on terror?

The United states has said China's failure to back the listing of Pakistan-based terror group <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/address-concerns-on-terrorism-including-cross-border-terrorism-us-india-to-pak-202988">Jaish-e-Mohammad(JeM) chief </a>Masood Azhar as an international terrorist under the United Nations Security Council(UNSC) can impact regional stability and peace.

Replying to a question at the State Department presser, deputy spokesperson of State Department Robert Palladino said,"United States and China share a mutual interest in achieving regional stability and peace, and that a failure to designate Azhar would run counter to this goal".

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/SN36SQjqYRs" width="560"></iframe>

He also said that <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-slam-pakistan-ahead-of-the-decision-on-masood-azhar-highlights-islamabads-role-pulwama-attack-202967">Azhar meets the criteria</a> for designation by the United Nations and both United States and India are working "closely together" on counterterrorism efforts, and that includes at the United Nations.

Palladino said, "JeM is a United Nations-designated terrorist group. Azhar is the founder and the leader of JeM, and he meets the criteria for designation by the United Nations. JeM has been responsible for numerous terrorist attacks and is a threat to regional stability and peace."

China has been reluctant in declaring Azhar as an international terrorist and has blocked his listing at United Nation's Security Council's 1267 committee three times - 2009, 2016 and 2017.

Azhar's JeM has already been listed under the UN terror list. Jaish was responsible for the deadly Pulwama attack on 14th February that killed more than 40 CRPF personnel.

France, UK, US proposed the listing of Azhar on the UN terror list with Russia also backing the move.

The United states has said China's failure to back the listing of Pakistan-based terror group Jaish-e-Mohammad(JeM) chief Masood Azhar as an international terrorist under the United Nations Security Council(UNSC) can impact regional stability and peace.

The United states has said China's failure to back the listing of Pakistan-based terror group Jaish-e-Mohammad(JeM) chief Masood Azhar as an international terrorist under the United Nations Security Council(UNSC) can impact regional stability and peace. Replying to a question at the State Department presser, deputy spokesperson of State Department Robert Palladino said,"United States and China share a mutual interest in achieving regional stability and peace, and that a failure to designate Azhar would run counter to this goal". He also said that Azhar meets the criteria for designation by the United Nations and both United States and India are working "closely together" on counterterrorism efforts, and that includes at the United Nations. Palladino said, "JeM is a United Nations-designated terrorist group. Azhar is the founder and the leader of JeM, and he meets the criteria for designation by the United Nations. JeM has been responsible for numerous terrorist attacks and is a threat to regional stability and peace." China has been reluctant in declaring Azhar as an international terrorist and has blocked his listing at United Nation's Security Council's 1267 committee three times - 2009, 2016 and 2017. Azhar's JeM has already been listed under the UN terror list. Jaish was responsible for the deadly Pulwama attack on 14th February that killed more than 40 CRPF personnel. France, UK, US proposed the listing of Azhar on the UN terror list with Russia also backing the move.

China's failure to designate Masood Azhar would run counter to goal of regional stability: US

Hours before the UN Security Council is to take up <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/decision-tomorrow-india-urges-unsc-to-list-masood-azhar-as-international-terrorist-202946">a resolution on listing Jaish-e-Muhammed chief Masood Azhar as a global terrorist</a>, China on Wednesday hinted that it may once again block the move, saying only "the solution that is acceptable to all sides" is conducive to resolve the issue.&nbsp;

The fate of the proposal to designate Pakistan-based Azhar as a global terrorist by the UN Security Council will be known in less than 24 hours when the deadline to raise objections to the bid expires.&nbsp;

The proposal to designate Azhar under the 1267 Al Qaeda Sanctions Committee of the UN Security Council was moved by France, UK and the US on February 27.&nbsp;

"I could reiterate that China will continue to adopt responsible attitude and participate in the deliberations in the UNSC 1267 Committee," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lu Kang told a media briefing here.&nbsp;

China, a veto-wielding member of the UNSC, has blocked the move by India and other member nations three times in the past to designate Azhar.&nbsp;

China has been insisting that the solution should be acceptable to all.

Asked to clarify whether the issue has been listed for discussion for March 13 and China is in talks with all the parties concerned, Lu said, "First I want to clarify that I don't recall saying anything about the deadline about the UNSC committee and other UN subsidiary bodies".&nbsp;

On the issue of listing Azhar, he said, "I want to say that China always adopts a responsible attitude, engage in consultations with various parties and properly deal with this issue."

"The discussions, I want to say must follow the rules and procedures of the relevant bodies and only the solution that is acceptable to all sides is conducive for resolving the issue," he said.

Recently, China's Vice Foreign Minister Kong Xuanyou travelled to Pakistan and held talks with Prime Minister Imran Khan and Army chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa and other officials.&nbsp;

India on Saturday said all UNSC members were aware about the JeM training camps and the presence of terror group's chief Masood Azhar in Pakistan, and urged them to designate him as a global terrorist.&nbsp;

The JeM, headed by the 50-year-old Azhar, carried out many terror strikes in India and was involved in the attack on Parliament, the Pathankot air force base, army camps in Jammu and Uri. It also claimed responsibility for the February 14 Pulwama suicide attack which left 40 CRPF personnel dead.&nbsp;

Hours before the UN Security Council is to take up a resolution on listing Jaish-e-Muhammed chief Masood Azhar as a global terrorist, China on Wednesday hinted that it may once again block the move, saying only "the solution that is acceptable to all sides" is conducive to resolve the issue.

Hours before the UN Security Council is to take up a resolution on listing Jaish-e-Muhammed chief Masood Azhar as a global terrorist, China on Wednesday hinted that it may once again block the move, saying only "the solution that is acceptable to all sides" is conducive to resolve the issue. The fate of the proposal to designate Pakistan-based Azhar as a global terrorist by the UN Security Council will be known in less than 24 hours when the deadline to raise objections to the bid expires. The proposal to designate Azhar under the 1267 Al Qaeda Sanctions Committee of the UN Security Council was moved by France, UK and the US on February 27. "I could reiterate that China will continue to adopt responsible attitude and participate in the deliberations in the UNSC 1267 Committee," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lu Kang told a media briefing here. China, a veto-wielding member of the UNSC, has blocked the move by India and other member nations three times in the past to designate Azhar. China has been insisting that the solution should be acceptable to all. Asked to clarify whether the issue has been listed for discussion for March 13 and China is in talks with all the parties concerned, Lu said, "First I want to clarify that I don't recall saying anything about the deadline about the UNSC committee and other UN subsidiary bodies". On the issue of listing Azhar, he said, "I want to say that China always adopts a responsible attitude, engage in consultations with various parties and properly deal with this issue." "The discussions, I want to say must follow the rules and procedures of the relevant bodies and only the solution that is acceptable to all sides is conducive for resolving the issue," he said. Recently, China's Vice Foreign Minister Kong Xuanyou travelled to Pakistan and held talks with Prime Minister Imran Khan and Army chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa and other officials. India on Saturday said all UNSC members were aware about the JeM training camps and the presence of terror group's chief Masood Azhar in Pakistan, and urged them to designate him as a global terrorist. The JeM, headed by the 50-year-old Azhar, carried out many terror strikes in India and was involved in the attack on Parliament, the Pathankot air force base, army camps in Jammu and Uri. It also claimed responsibility for the February 14 Pulwama suicide attack which left 40 CRPF personnel dead.

Masood Azhar's UNSC listing: China hints it may block move to declare him a global terrorist 

The United Nations Security Council's 1267 committee will decide on March 13 whether <a href="http://www.wionews.com/photos/ghost-of-kandahar-how-masood-azhars-release-keeps-haunting-india-200294#the-deadly-kandahar-hijack-200288">Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Masood Azhar</a> should be listed as an international terrorist. (The vote will take place at 3 pm, New York time or 1.30 am on March 14, Indian Standard Time.)&nbsp;

India has urged the UNSC to put Azhar on the UN terror list.&nbsp;

The UN-listed, Pakistan-based terror group Jaish-e-Mohammed had claimed responsibility for the February 14 Pulwama attack that had left over 40 CRPF personnel dead in the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir.&nbsp;

"All members of the UNSC are aware about Jaish-e-Mohammed training camps in Pakistan and about the chief of Jaish-e-Mohammad and his presence in Pakistan. We call upon all members of UNSC to list Masood Azhar as a designated terrorist under 1267 UN Sanctions Committee," Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Raveesh Kumar had said. &nbsp;

Azhar's listing as an international terrorist will put a freeze on his assets and put him on a global no-flight list. His listing will also help New Delhi point out how Pakistan has been an epicentre of terrorism.

France, along with the United States and the UK, had proposed Azhar's listing in the last week of February. Russia has supported the listing.

Deputy spokesperson of the US State Department Robert Palladino, reacting to Azhar's possible listing, said, "We will continue to work with the sanctions committee to ensure that the list is updated and that it’s accurate."

That leaves <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/responsible-discussions-can-resolve-the-issue-in-a-sustainable-manner-china-on-listing-jem-chief-masood-azhar-as-global-terrorist-at-unsc-202820">China as New Delhi's only worry</a>.&nbsp;

Beijing has blocked Masood Azhar's listing three times since 2016 when India first called for it.&nbsp;

Asked about Azhar's listing, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Lu Kang said on Monday that the matter can only be resolved in a "responsible manner".

"China has all along participated in relevant discussions in a responsible manner and in strict accordance with the rules of procedure and provisions of the 1267 committee. China will continue to communicate and work with relevant parties in a responsible manner so as to properly resolve this matter. Only by making a decision through responsible and serious discussions can we find a lasting solution."

While pressure has been growing on Islamabad — from Washington to Kabul — to act on terrorists, China has been reluctant so far to call out its all-weather ally. The reluctance has been primarily due to economic considerations which include CPEC — the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, which provides China with connectivity to west Asia.

The United Nations Security Council's 1267 committee will decide on March 13 whether Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Masood Azhar should be listed as an international terrorist.

The United Nations Security Council's 1267 committee will decide on March 13 whether Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Masood Azhar should be listed as an international terrorist. (The vote will take place at 3 pm, New York time or 1.30 am on March 14, Indian Standard Time.) India has urged the UNSC to put Azhar on the UN terror list. The UN-listed, Pakistan-based terror group Jaish-e-Mohammed had claimed responsibility for the February 14 Pulwama attack that had left over 40 CRPF personnel dead in the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir. "All members of the UNSC are aware about Jaish-e-Mohammed training camps in Pakistan and about the chief of Jaish-e-Mohammad and his presence in Pakistan. We call upon all members of UNSC to list Masood Azhar as a designated terrorist under 1267 UN Sanctions Committee," Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Raveesh Kumar had said. Azhar's listing as an international terrorist will put a freeze on his assets and put him on a global no-flight list. His listing will also help New Delhi point out how Pakistan has been an epicentre of terrorism. France, along with the United States and the UK, had proposed Azhar's listing in the last week of February. Russia has supported the listing. Deputy spokesperson of the US State Department Robert Palladino, reacting to Azhar's possible listing, said, "We will continue to work with the sanctions committee to ensure that the list is updated and that it’s accurate." That leaves China as New Delhi's only worry. Beijing has blocked Masood Azhar's listing three times since 2016 when India first called for it. Asked about Azhar's listing, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Lu Kang said on Monday that the matter can only be resolved in a "responsible manner". "China has all along participated in relevant discussions in a responsible manner and in strict accordance with the rules of procedure and provisions of the 1267 committee. China will continue to communicate and work with relevant parties in a responsible manner so as to properly resolve this matter. Only by making a decision through responsible and serious discussions can we find a lasting solution." While pressure has been growing on Islamabad — from Washington to Kabul — to act on terrorists, China has been reluctant so far to call out its all-weather ally. The reluctance has been primarily due to economic considerations which include CPEC — the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, which provides China with connectivity to west Asia.

Decision today, India urges UNSC to list Masood Azhar as international terrorist

The slow-moving UN Security Council reform is a "very divisive" and "contentious" issue and all the member&nbsp;states have to walk the extra mile as they work on divergences and commonalities to ensure the process does not become a "zero-sum game", General Assembly President Maria Fernanda Espinosa has said.

India has been at the forefront of efforts at the UN to push for urgent long-pending reform of the Security Council, emphasising that it rightly deserves a place at the UN high table as a permanent member.

The Security Council reform "is very much a member State-driven process. My role as President is to accompany, to lead, to make sure that the process continues, to make sure that it is inclusive and that it is transparent," Espinosa said at a press briefing here on Friday.

She was responding to a question by PTI on the long-pending reform of the powerful 15-nation UN organ, with little progress 10 years after the Inter-Governmental Negotiations (IGN) began.

"It is not an easy issue. I want to be very open and frank with you. It is very divisive, it is contentious," she said.

Espinosa had appointed Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Luxembourg to the UN Christian Braun and Permanent Representative of the United Arab Emirates to the UN Lana Nusseibeh as Co-Chairs of the Intergovernmental Negotiations on UN Security Council reform.

She described the two co-chairs as "excellent" and lauded them for putting a lot of effort and working, engaging with all member States in "trying to pull together the different positions, trying to look at the commonalities to see how we can tackle the issue in order to avoid the zero-sum game".

In January this year, India's Permanent Representative to the UN Ambassador Syed Akbaruddin said at an informal meeting of the Plenary on the Intergovernmental negotiations on the question of increase in the membership of the Security Council that no process known to UN members had traversed "winding pathways" in the manner as the Security Council reform process had.

"In terms of length, it is unparalleled. In terms of inertia too, it has no peer," Akbaruddin had said, noting that it has been an "arduous journey" given that it has been more than 10 years since the start of the IGN process in 2008.

Espinosa acknowledged that people were getting "impatient" after 10 years of the IGN but said "this is the process we have and I think that we have to make sure that the process continues, that all member States engage and we pull a little bit, we push and push and walk the extra mile".

She, however, did not give a direct reply to a question on when the Council will get reformed and on her expectations from countries such as India, Germany and Japan seeking to become the permanent members of the Council.

"Sometimes, perhaps I shouldn't be saying this because I'm supposed to be neutral, but sometimes we see the Security Council reform as an either/or and a black and white issue but there are so many things that we can do to improve the Security Council working methods and we can do it now without any major changes," she said.

Espinosa said she had a "lot of hope" on what the 10 elected members of the Council were doing.

"I think that they (elected 10 members) are de-facto making some meaningful changes in improving the working methods and the transparency of the Security Council," she said.

Akbaruddin said last week that while the world was not what it was when the reform process began, the objections to moving forward remain the same.

"While the global challenges of the 21st century have multiplied, we remain divided even about the process to adopt in order to move forward," he had said.

Akbaruddin also said that on the issue of 'Categories of Membership', a total of 113 Member States, out of 122 who submitted their positions in the Framework Document, support the expansion in both the permanent and non-permanent membership categories of the Council.

France, which assumed the rotating presidency of the Council in March, has reiterated its support for India, Germany and Japan as permanent members of an expanded Council, saying enlargement of the powerful UN organ in both permanent and non-permanent categories is the "first crucial part" towards the UNSC reform.&nbsp;

France has maintained that if the crises of recent times have confirmed the centrality of the UN, they have also reinforced the need to make the organisation more effective and more representative of the current balances in the world.

"That is why France pushes for the expansion of the Security Council by supporting the accession to a permanent seat of Germany, Brazil, India, Japan, as well as a greater presence of African countries," according to the Permanent Mission of France.&nbsp;

The slow-moving UN Security Council reform is a "very divisive" and "contentious" issue and all the member states have to walk the extra mile as they work on divergences and commonalities to ensure the process does not become a "zero-sum game", General Assembly President Maria Fernanda Espinosa has said.

The slow-moving UN Security Council reform is a "very divisive" and "contentious" issue and all the member states have to walk the extra mile as they work on divergences and commonalities to ensure the process does not become a "zero-sum game", General Assembly President Maria Fernanda Espinosa has said. India has been at the forefront of efforts at the UN to push for urgent long-pending reform of the Security Council, emphasising that it rightly deserves a place at the UN high table as a permanent member. The Security Council reform "is very much a member State-driven process. My role as President is to accompany, to lead, to make sure that the process continues, to make sure that it is inclusive and that it is transparent," Espinosa said at a press briefing here on Friday. She was responding to a question by PTI on the long-pending reform of the powerful 15-nation UN organ, with little progress 10 years after the Inter-Governmental Negotiations (IGN) began. "It is not an easy issue. I want to be very open and frank with you. It is very divisive, it is contentious," she said. Espinosa had appointed Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Luxembourg to the UN Christian Braun and Permanent Representative of the United Arab Emirates to the UN Lana Nusseibeh as Co-Chairs of the Intergovernmental Negotiations on UN Security Council reform. She described the two co-chairs as "excellent" and lauded them for putting a lot of effort and working, engaging with all member States in "trying to pull together the different positions, trying to look at the commonalities to see how we can tackle the issue in order to avoid the zero-sum game". In January this year, India's Permanent Representative to the UN Ambassador Syed Akbaruddin said at an informal meeting of the Plenary on the Intergovernmental negotiations on the question of increase in the membership of the Security Council that no process known to UN members had traversed "winding pathways" in the manner as the Security Council reform process had. "In terms of length, it is unparalleled. In terms of inertia too, it has no peer," Akbaruddin had said, noting that it has been an "arduous journey" given that it has been more than 10 years since the start of the IGN process in 2008. Espinosa acknowledged that people were getting "impatient" after 10 years of the IGN but said "this is the process we have and I think that we have to make sure that the process continues, that all member States engage and we pull a little bit, we push and push and walk the extra mile". She, however, did not give a direct reply to a question on when the Council will get reformed and on her expectations from countries such as India, Germany and Japan seeking to become the permanent members of the Council. "Sometimes, perhaps I shouldn't be saying this because I'm supposed to be neutral, but sometimes we see the Security Council reform as an either/or and a black and white issue but there are so many things that we can do to improve the Security Council working methods and we can do it now without any major changes," she said. Espinosa said she had a "lot of hope" on what the 10 elected members of the Council were doing. "I think that they (elected 10 members) are de-facto making some meaningful changes in improving the working methods and the transparency of the Security Council," she said. Akbaruddin said last week that while the world was not what it was when the reform process began, the objections to moving forward remain the same. "While the global challenges of the 21st century have multiplied, we remain divided even about the process to adopt in order to move forward," he had said. Akbaruddin also said that on the issue of 'Categories of Membership', a total of 113 Member States, out of 122 who submitted their positions in the Framework Document, support the expansion in both the permanent and non-permanent membership categories of the Council. France, which assumed the rotating presidency of the Council in March, has reiterated its support for India, Germany and Japan as permanent members of an expanded Council, saying enlargement of the powerful UN organ in both permanent and non-permanent categories is the "first crucial part" towards the UNSC reform. France has maintained that if the crises of recent times have confirmed the centrality of the UN, they have also reinforced the need to make the organisation more effective and more representative of the current balances in the world. "That is why France pushes for the expansion of the Security Council by supporting the accession to a permanent seat of Germany, Brazil, India, Japan, as well as a greater presence of African countries," according to the Permanent Mission of France.

UN Security Council reform process 'contentious' issue: General Assembly president

France asks UNSC to ban Jaish-e-Mohammad chief Masood Azhar

India is reaching out to China and other 14 member countries of the UN Security Council to designate as a global terrorist <a href="http://www.wionews.com/photos/over-200-kg-of-explosives-was-used-in-pulwamas-terror-attack-197469">Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Masood Azhar </a>as a fresh move has been made to ban him by the world body, official sources said.

The US, Britain and France have moved a proposal at the United Nations Security Council last week to designate the chief of the JeM, which has claimed responsibility for the Pulwama attack.

The sources said any UNSC member country can seek clarification on the proposal till March 13 following which the process to listing will commence.

“We are reaching out to all the 15 UNSC member countries both in New Delhi as well as in their respective capitals. We will leave no stone unturned to get the support of all member countries,” said a source.

Azhar’s listing by the UNSC will subject him to the global travel ban, asset freeze and arms embargo. It is the fourth such bid at the UN in the last 10 years to list Azhar as a global terrorist.

In 2009, India unsuccessfully moved a proposal to designate Azhar. In 2016 again, India moved the proposal with the P3 – the US, the United Kingdom and France in the UN’s 1267 Sanctions Committee to ban Azhar.

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.

Sources said a listing of Azhar as a global terrorist by the UNSC will send a huge political signal to Pakistan that it must dismantle the terror infrastructure in its territory.

Meanwhile, sources said Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale postponed a scheduled visit to Iran and China following the escalation in Indo-Pak ties. Gokhale was to travel to Tehran on March 3.

India is reaching out to China and other 14 member countries of the UN Security Council to designate as a global terrorist Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Masood Azhar as a fresh move has been made to ban him by the world body, official sources said.

India is reaching out to China and other 14 member countries of the UN Security Council to designate as a global terrorist Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Masood Azhar as a fresh move has been made to ban him by the world body, official sources said. The US, Britain and France have moved a proposal at the United Nations Security Council last week to designate the chief of the JeM, which has claimed responsibility for the Pulwama attack. The sources said any UNSC member country can seek clarification on the proposal till March 13 following which the process to listing will commence. “We are reaching out to all the 15 UNSC member countries both in New Delhi as well as in their respective capitals. We will leave no stone unturned to get the support of all member countries,” said a source. Azhar’s listing by the UNSC will subject him to the global travel ban, asset freeze and arms embargo. It is the fourth such bid at the UN in the last 10 years to list Azhar as a global terrorist. In 2009, India unsuccessfully moved a proposal to designate Azhar. In 2016 again, India moved the proposal with the P3 – the US, the United Kingdom and France in the UN’s 1267 Sanctions Committee to ban Azhar. 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. Sources said a listing of Azhar as a global terrorist by the UNSC will send a huge political signal to Pakistan that it must dismantle the terror infrastructure in its territory. Meanwhile, sources said Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale postponed a scheduled visit to Iran and China following the escalation in Indo-Pak ties. Gokhale was to travel to Tehran on March 3.

India reaching out to all UNSC members seeking support to ban Masood Azhar by UN

A day after<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/we-hit-the-target-at-balakot-wing-commander-abhinandan-will-fly-again-if-fit-iaf-chief-dhanoa-201031"> IAF chief's press conference</a>, Naval chief Sunil Lanba at an event said that the Indo-pacific region has witnessed multiple forms of terrorism in recent years and few countries in "this part of world have been spared by this cause".

India's Naval chief&nbsp;said Pakistan based terrorists are planning attacks via the high seas.&nbsp;&nbsp;Naval chief Sunil Lanba speaking at an event in Delhi said, "We also have reports of terrorists being trained to carry out attacks with varying modus operandi including through the medium of the sea."

Slamming Pakistan for its support to terror, Lanba said, "India faces a far more serious version of terrorism State-Sponsored Terrorism. You have all witnessed the horrific scale of the extremist attack in the Indian State of Jammu and Kashmir just 3 weeks ago. This violence was perpetrated by extremists aided and abetted by a state which seeks to destabilize India."

After the 26/11 attacks in 2008 India has increased its security along the coastline.&nbsp;

"Global nature which terrorism has acquired in recent times has further enhanced the scope of this threat," the navy chief said.

The government has been implementing the Coastal Security Scheme in phases since 2005. The objective of the scheme is to strengthen the capacity and infrastructure of Police Force of the coastal States/UTs for patrolling and surveillance of coastal areas.&nbsp;

Under the scheme, 200 Coastal Police Stations are operational, and Coastal Police has been equipped with 204 boats, 30 jetties, 284 four-wheelers.

This is not the first time a warning has come of Pakistan-based terrorist planning an attack via the high seas.&nbsp;

In January, speaking in the Parliament, minister of state in the Home Ministry Hansraj Ahir had said, "available inputs indicate that the Pakistan based terrorist group continue to train their cadres for underwater strike capabilities in a bid to infiltrate them into India by sea/water ways."

Explaining further he said,&nbsp;Pakistan-based terrorist organization have exhorted its cadres for "samundari jihad" against India.&nbsp;

On February 14th, a JeM terrorist had rammed a car laden with explosives into a bus leading to the death of over 40 CRPF personnel. India later conducted air strikes inside Pakistan at Balakot on JeM hideouts which later led Pakistan Air Force to retaliate last week.

Meanwhile, Pakistan information minister Fawad Chaudhry denied Indian accusations that Pakistan was involved in the February 14th attack at Pulwama. He, however, added that his government had decried to crackdown on terrorists&nbsp;claiming that the decision to act was taken at a meeting of the National Security Committee before the suicide bombing in J&amp;K.

After the bombing and subsequent air strikes by India, the United States, Britain and France proposed last week that the UN Security Council blacklist the head of JeM, Masood Azhar.

In an interview with an US based news channel, Pakistan's foreign minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi had said that Azhar was in Pakistan and "really unwell".

Report later indicated that Pakistan may not resist the UNSC move this time. China had earlier blocked the vote thrice in 2009, 2016 and 2017.

A day after IAF chief's press conference, Naval chief Sunil Lanba at an event said that the Indo-pacific region has witnessed multiple forms of terrorism in recent years and few countries in "this part of world have been spared by this cause".

A day after IAF chief's press conference, Naval chief Sunil Lanba at an event said that the Indo-pacific region has witnessed multiple forms of terrorism in recent years and few countries in "this part of world have been spared by this cause". India's Naval chief said Pakistan based terrorists are planning attacks via the high seas. Naval chief Sunil Lanba speaking at an event in Delhi said, "We also have reports of terrorists being trained to carry out attacks with varying modus operandi including through the medium of the sea." Slamming Pakistan for its support to terror, Lanba said, "India faces a far more serious version of terrorism State-Sponsored Terrorism. You have all witnessed the horrific scale of the extremist attack in the Indian State of Jammu and Kashmir just 3 weeks ago. This violence was perpetrated by extremists aided and abetted by a state which seeks to destabilize India." After the 26/11 attacks in 2008 India has increased its security along the coastline. "Global nature which terrorism has acquired in recent times has further enhanced the scope of this threat," the navy chief said. The government has been implementing the Coastal Security Scheme in phases since 2005. The objective of the scheme is to strengthen the capacity and infrastructure of Police Force of the coastal States/UTs for patrolling and surveillance of coastal areas. Under the scheme, 200 Coastal Police Stations are operational, and Coastal Police has been equipped with 204 boats, 30 jetties, 284 four-wheelers. This is not the first time a warning has come of Pakistan-based terrorist planning an attack via the high seas. In January, speaking in the Parliament, minister of state in the Home Ministry Hansraj Ahir had said, "available inputs indicate that the Pakistan based terrorist group continue to train their cadres for underwater strike capabilities in a bid to infiltrate them into India by sea/water ways." Explaining further he said, Pakistan-based terrorist organization have exhorted its cadres for "samundari jihad" against India. On February 14th, a JeM terrorist had rammed a car laden with explosives into a bus leading to the death of over 40 CRPF personnel. India later conducted air strikes inside Pakistan at Balakot on JeM hideouts which later led Pakistan Air Force to retaliate last week. Meanwhile, Pakistan information minister Fawad Chaudhry denied Indian accusations that Pakistan was involved in the February 14th attack at Pulwama. He, however, added that his government had decried to crackdown on terrorists claiming that the decision to act was taken at a meeting of the National Security Committee before the suicide bombing in J&K. After the bombing and subsequent air strikes by India, the United States, Britain and France proposed last week that the UN Security Council blacklist the head of JeM, Masood Azhar. In an interview with an US based news channel, Pakistan's foreign minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi had said that Azhar was in Pakistan and "really unwell". Report later indicated that Pakistan may not resist the UNSC move this time. China had earlier blocked the vote thrice in 2009, 2016 and 2017.

Terrorists being trained to carry out operations in various forms, including through medium of the sea: Naval chief Sunil Lanba

Amid Pakistan's flip-flop over reports of death of&nbsp; <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/jaish-e-mohammed-chief-masood-azhar-alive-says-pakistan-media-200960">Jaish-e-Mohammed(JeM)</a> chief Masood Azhar,50, sources have told WION that Masood Azhar was never hospitalised although his dialysis was done twice a week but his condition has deteriorated since January.

Pakistan media quoting "unnamed sources" had said that the JeM chief was alive, although there was no official confirmation.&nbsp;

During an interview during the weekend, Pakistan foreign minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi had told a US news channel that the JeM chief was in the country and was &nbsp;"very unwell" but added that government can act against him only if India presents "solid" and "inalienable" evidence that can stand in a court of law.

"He is in Pakistan, according to my information. He is unwell to the extent that he can't leave his house, because he's really unwell," Qureshi said.

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/R0XO0hOlYQ4" width="560"></iframe>

India blames Azhar for the 2001 Parliament attack including the Pulwama terror strike on February 14th. He was released by the NDA government in 1999 during exchange of hostages in the &nbsp;hijacked Indian Airlines plane IC-814 in Khandhar.

Pakistan's senior security official had earlier said it was suspected that Azhar was afflicted with renal failure and was under regular dialysis at an army hospital in Rawalpindi in Pakistan

However, sources close to Azhar's family have told WION that the JeM chief is "fine and alive"&nbsp;and is likely to release a "message" very soon.

Last week, US, the UK and France had moved a fresh proposal in the UN Security Council to designate Azhar as a global terrorist. The proposal moved earlier was vetoed by China.

The Security Council Sanctions Committee will have 10 working days to consider the fresh proposal submitted by the three permanent members. It is the third attempt by UNSC members to impose sanctions on Azhar.

China has blocked the move twice - in 2016 and 2017. 
&nbsp; &nbsp; 
JeM had claimed responsibility for the February 14 attack in Pulwama that killed over 40 CRPF&nbsp;personnel. 
&nbsp;

Amid Pakistan's flip-flop over reports of death of Jaish-e-Mohammed(JeM) chief Masood Azhar,50, sources have told WION that Masood Azhar was never hospitalised although his dialysis was done twice a week but his condition has deteriorated since January.

Amid Pakistan's flip-flop over reports of death of Jaish-e-Mohammed(JeM) chief Masood Azhar,50, sources have told WION that Masood Azhar was never hospitalised although his dialysis was done twice a week but his condition has deteriorated since January. Pakistan media quoting "unnamed sources" had said that the JeM chief was alive, although there was no official confirmation. During an interview during the weekend, Pakistan foreign minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi had told a US news channel that the JeM chief was in the country and was "very unwell" but added that government can act against him only if India presents "solid" and "inalienable" evidence that can stand in a court of law. "He is in Pakistan, according to my information. He is unwell to the extent that he can't leave his house, because he's really unwell," Qureshi said. India blames Azhar for the 2001 Parliament attack including the Pulwama terror strike on February 14th. He was released by the NDA government in 1999 during exchange of hostages in the hijacked Indian Airlines plane IC-814 in Khandhar. Pakistan's senior security official had earlier said it was suspected that Azhar was afflicted with renal failure and was under regular dialysis at an army hospital in Rawalpindi in Pakistan However, sources close to Azhar's family have told WION that the JeM chief is "fine and alive" and is likely to release a "message" very soon. Last week, US, the UK and France had moved a fresh proposal in the UN Security Council to designate Azhar as a global terrorist. The proposal moved earlier was vetoed by China. The Security Council Sanctions Committee will have 10 working days to consider the fresh proposal submitted by the three permanent members. It is the third attempt by UNSC members to impose sanctions on Azhar. China has blocked the move twice - in 2016 and 2017. JeM had claimed responsibility for the February 14 attack in Pulwama that killed over 40 CRPF personnel.

Amid conflicting reports, sources say Masood Azhar never hospitalised, plans to release message soon

After reports emerged that <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/amid-conflicting-reports-sources-say-masood-azhar-never-hospitalised-plans-to-release-message-soon-201024">Masood Azhar was still alive</a> in Pakistan, sources have told WION that Pakistan government will not oppose listing of Masood Azhar as a "global terrorist" at the UN.

Sources have told WION that the Pakistan government will act "decisively" against all non-state actors. <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/jaish-e-mohammed-chief-masood-azhar-alive-says-pakistan-media-200960">Masood's Jaish-e-Mohammed</a>(JeM) had taken responsibility for the Pulwama attack on February 14th in which 40 CRPF personnel were killed.

Listing Masood as a global terrorist would mean a global travel ban, asset freeze and arms embargo on the JeM chief.

Last week, US, the UK and France had moved a fresh proposal in the UN Security Council to designate Azhar as a global terrorist. The Security Council Sanctions Committee has&nbsp;10 days to consider the fresh proposal submitted by the three permanent members.&nbsp;

Reports say the proposal will be discussed at the UNSC on March 13th.

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/JL-WOo28n0k" width="560"></iframe>

China has veted the proposal on Masood Azhar thrice&nbsp;earlier. Meanwhile, reports had indicated earlier that Masood was dead, however, it was denied by Pakistani officials. &nbsp;Pakistan foreign minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi had told a US news channel that the JeM chief was in the country and was "very unwell"

"He is in Pakistan, according to my information. He is unwell to the extent that he can't leave his house, because he's really unwell," Qureshi told the US news channel.

Earlier, a Pakistani media report had said a security official had hinted that Pakistan may withdraw its opposition to the listing of JeM chief as global terrorist by the UN Security Council.

In 2009, India had moved a proposal to designate Azhar as a global terrorist but it was vetoed by China. In 2016 again, 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 air base in Pathankot in January, 2016.

In 2017, the P3 nations moved a similar proposal again. On all occasions&nbsp;it was vetoed by China.

After reports emerged that Masood Azhar was still alive in Pakistan, sources have told WION that Pakistan government will not oppose listing of Masood Azhar as a "global terrorist" at the UN.

After reports emerged that Masood Azhar was still alive in Pakistan, sources have told WION that Pakistan government will not oppose listing of Masood Azhar as a "global terrorist" at the UN. Sources have told WION that the Pakistan government will act "decisively" against all non-state actors. Masood's Jaish-e-Mohammed(JeM) had taken responsibility for the Pulwama attack on February 14th in which 40 CRPF personnel were killed. Listing Masood as a global terrorist would mean a global travel ban, asset freeze and arms embargo on the JeM chief. Last week, US, the UK and France had moved a fresh proposal in the UN Security Council to designate Azhar as a global terrorist. The Security Council Sanctions Committee has 10 days to consider the fresh proposal submitted by the three permanent members. Reports say the proposal will be discussed at the UNSC on March 13th. China has veted the proposal on Masood Azhar thrice earlier. Meanwhile, reports had indicated earlier that Masood was dead, however, it was denied by Pakistani officials. Pakistan foreign minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi had told a US news channel that the JeM chief was in the country and was "very unwell" "He is in Pakistan, according to my information. He is unwell to the extent that he can't leave his house, because he's really unwell," Qureshi told the US news channel. Earlier, a Pakistani media report had said a security official had hinted that Pakistan may withdraw its opposition to the listing of JeM chief as global terrorist by the UN Security Council. In 2009, India had moved a proposal to designate Azhar as a global terrorist but it was vetoed by China. In 2016 again, 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 air base in Pathankot in January, 2016. In 2017, the P3 nations moved a similar proposal again. On all occasions it was vetoed by China.

Pak government not to oppose Masood Azhar's listing as global terrorist at UN: Sources to WION

India said any member of the UN Security Council Sanctions Committee can use the veto to block and kill a proposal for want of unanimity, describing as “complex” and “contentious” the issue of veto which has been repeatedly used by China to block India’s bid to designate Pakistan-based <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/after-pulwama-attack-pakistan-army-tells-masood-azhar-hafiz-sayeed-to-lie-low-sources-198507">JeM chief Masood Azhar </a>as a global terrorist.

Participating in the informal meeting of the Plenary on the Intergovernmental negotiations on the question of equitable representation on an increase in the membership of the Security Council, India’s Permanent Representative to the UN Ambassador Syed Akbaruddin said that by a procedural stratagem, veto has been expanded to all members of subsidiary bodies of the Security Council, rather than being subject to restraints.

He said in the UNSC Sanctions Committee, any “member can block or object or place on hold, any request of a Member State, thereby in effect killing the proposal on grounds that unanimity is required”.

“The use of the veto has been extended to the subsidiary bodies of the Security Council, eg, the Sanctions Committees. In these bodies, the veto has been extended to all 15 members of the Committees,” Akbaruddin said here Monday.

Akbaruddin said the issue of veto is complex, complicated and contentious, but “then we cannot also allow the veto to have a veto over the process of Council reform itself”.

The Indian Ambassador’s remarks on the veto in the Security Council’s Sanctions Committee comes against the backdrop of China, a permanent member of the Security Council, repeatedly using its veto to block India’s bid to designate Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammed’s chief Masood Azhar as a global terrorist.

In the wake of the Pulwama terror attack by JeM against India’s security forces, France is expected to soon move a proposal in the Sanctions Committee to ban the head of the UN-proscribed group.

The proposal, when moved, will be fourth such bid at the UN in the past 10 years. In 2009, India moved by itself a proposal to designate Azhar. This was followed in 2016 when 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, China always blocked the proposal from being adopted by the UN.

Akbaruddin provided a quick review of the record of the use of veto that indicates the States’ approach to the veto. He said since the creation of the Security Council in 1946 till today, at least 238 vetoes were cast. As many as 59 vetoes were to block applications for membership to the UN. Vietnam’s application was vetoed 9 times; Italy’s 6 times; Japan, Sri Lanka, Portugal, Ireland, Republic of Korea and Jordan 4 times; Austria and Finland 3 times; and Nepal, Libya, Laos and Cambodia 2 times; and Angola, Bangladesh, Kuwait, Mauritania, Mongolia and Spain 1 time each.

“These Member States are now widely regarded as significant participants in maintaining international peace and security rather than threats to international peace and security, as was perceived when their initial applications for membership were vetoed,” he said.

Further, no less than 18 vetoes were cast to block resolutions against the apartheid regime in South Africa, and 22 vetoes have been cast on Middle East issue, including Palestine.

“Given the history of such use of the veto, a number of Member States have called for the abolition of the veto,” he said.

Akbaruddin noted that the names and suggestions calling for the abolition of the veto or limiting or curtailing its use to the extent possible is part of July 2015 document that lists positions and proposals of UN member states on Security Council reform.

The position of a number of Member States supporting voluntary restrictions on the use of the veto in situations such as genocide, war crimes, crimes against humanity, ethnic cleansing and gross human rights violations are also listed in the document.

On the issue of “Categories of Membership”, a total of 113 Member States, out of 122 who submitted their positions in the Framework Document, support expansion in both of the existing categories.

“In short, more than 90% of the written submissions in the document” are in favour of expansion in both permanent and non-permanent categories of membership of the Council.

“We have heard many refer to the need for respect for democratic expressions. Will those who are speaking of democracy be ready to accept this democratic expression listed in a GA (General Assembly) document,” he said.

Similarly, on the issue of Regional Representation, India noted that the majority of Member States have called in their submissions for equitable geographical representation and need for addressing the non-representation and under-representation of some regions in the permanent and non-permanent category.

Akbaruddin cited the example of the Asia-Pacific group, where 52 states are vying for 2 non-permanent seats, while in the West European &amp; Other Group states there are 25 members in the pool vying for 2 seats.

“Put another way, there are more than 3 billion of ‘we the people’ from Asia-Pacific seeking representation through 2 seats with a 2-year term, while ‘people’ from no other region face such daunting challenges in seeking to be represented equitably,” he said.

Akbaruddin reiterated India’s support for representation of Africa in the Council in both categories of UNSC membership as well as support for further consideration of cross-regional representation arrangements to ensure that Small Island Developing States (SIDS) find adequate avenues for representation in a reformed Council.

India said any member of the UN Security Council Sanctions Committee can use the veto to block and kill a proposal for want of unanimity, describing as “complex” and “contentious” the issue of veto which has been repeatedly used by China to block India’s bid to designate Pakistan-based JeM chief Masood Azhar as a global terrorist.

India said any member of the UN Security Council Sanctions Committee can use the veto to block and kill a proposal for want of unanimity, describing as “complex” and “contentious” the issue of veto which has been repeatedly used by China to block India’s bid to designate Pakistan-based JeM chief Masood Azhar as a global terrorist. Participating in the informal meeting of the Plenary on the Intergovernmental negotiations on the question of equitable representation on an increase in the membership of the Security Council, India’s Permanent Representative to the UN Ambassador Syed Akbaruddin said that by a procedural stratagem, veto has been expanded to all members of subsidiary bodies of the Security Council, rather than being subject to restraints. He said in the UNSC Sanctions Committee, any “member can block or object or place on hold, any request of a Member State, thereby in effect killing the proposal on grounds that unanimity is required”. “The use of the veto has been extended to the subsidiary bodies of the Security Council, eg, the Sanctions Committees. In these bodies, the veto has been extended to all 15 members of the Committees,” Akbaruddin said here Monday. Akbaruddin said the issue of veto is complex, complicated and contentious, but “then we cannot also allow the veto to have a veto over the process of Council reform itself”. The Indian Ambassador’s remarks on the veto in the Security Council’s Sanctions Committee comes against the backdrop of China, a permanent member of the Security Council, repeatedly using its veto to block India’s bid to designate Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammed’s chief Masood Azhar as a global terrorist. In the wake of the Pulwama terror attack by JeM against India’s security forces, France is expected to soon move a proposal in the Sanctions Committee to ban the head of the UN-proscribed group. The proposal, when moved, will be fourth such bid at the UN in the past 10 years. In 2009, India moved by itself a proposal to designate Azhar. This was followed in 2016 when 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, China always blocked the proposal from being adopted by the UN. Akbaruddin provided a quick review of the record of the use of veto that indicates the States’ approach to the veto. He said since the creation of the Security Council in 1946 till today, at least 238 vetoes were cast. As many as 59 vetoes were to block applications for membership to the UN. Vietnam’s application was vetoed 9 times; Italy’s 6 times; Japan, Sri Lanka, Portugal, Ireland, Republic of Korea and Jordan 4 times; Austria and Finland 3 times; and Nepal, Libya, Laos and Cambodia 2 times; and Angola, Bangladesh, Kuwait, Mauritania, Mongolia and Spain 1 time each. “These Member States are now widely regarded as significant participants in maintaining international peace and security rather than threats to international peace and security, as was perceived when their initial applications for membership were vetoed,” he said. Further, no less than 18 vetoes were cast to block resolutions against the apartheid regime in South Africa, and 22 vetoes have been cast on Middle East issue, including Palestine. “Given the history of such use of the veto, a number of Member States have called for the abolition of the veto,” he said. Akbaruddin noted that the names and suggestions calling for the abolition of the veto or limiting or curtailing its use to the extent possible is part of July 2015 document that lists positions and proposals of UN member states on Security Council reform. The position of a number of Member States supporting voluntary restrictions on the use of the veto in situations such as genocide, war crimes, crimes against humanity, ethnic cleansing and gross human rights violations are also listed in the document. On the issue of “Categories of Membership”, a total of 113 Member States, out of 122 who submitted their positions in the Framework Document, support expansion in both of the existing categories. “In short, more than 90% of the written submissions in the document” are in favour of expansion in both permanent and non-permanent categories of membership of the Council. “We have heard many refer to the need for respect for democratic expressions. Will those who are speaking of democracy be ready to accept this democratic expression listed in a GA (General Assembly) document,” he said. Similarly, on the issue of Regional Representation, India noted that the majority of Member States have called in their submissions for equitable geographical representation and need for addressing the non-representation and under-representation of some regions in the permanent and non-permanent category. Akbaruddin cited the example of the Asia-Pacific group, where 52 states are vying for 2 non-permanent seats, while in the West European & Other Group states there are 25 members in the pool vying for 2 seats. “Put another way, there are more than 3 billion of ‘we the people’ from Asia-Pacific seeking representation through 2 seats with a 2-year term, while ‘people’ from no other region face such daunting challenges in seeking to be represented equitably,” he said. Akbaruddin reiterated India’s support for representation of Africa in the Council in both categories of UNSC membership as well as support for further consideration of cross-regional representation arrangements to ensure that Small Island Developing States (SIDS) find adequate avenues for representation in a reformed Council.

Veto used to block, kill proposals in UNSC Sanctions Committee: India’s veiled attack on China over Masood Azahar issue

Putting all speculations to rest, India's Permanent Representative to the United Nations Syed Akbaruddin shared a UN Security Council list dating back to 2001 confirming terror organisation <a href="http://www.wionews.com/pakistan/pakistan-government-takes-control-of-jem-headquarters-199032">Jaish-e-Mohammed's location as Pakistan</a>.

"May I jog your memories? To all friends who think that @UN Security Council does not know where the Jaish-e-Mohammed is located, my humble submission is that issue was settled way back in 2001," Akbaruddin tweeted.

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May I jog your memories ? 
 
To all friends who think that <a href="https://twitter.com/UN?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@UN</a> Security Council does not know where the Jaish-e-Mohammed is located, my humble submission is that issue was settled way back in 2001. 🙏🏽<a href="https://t.co/V2RrVeWM4j">https://t.co/V2RrVeWM4j</a> <a href="https://t.co/zEttbCV3qx">pic.twitter.com/zEttbCV3qx</a>
— Syed Akbaruddin (@AkbaruddinIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/AkbaruddinIndia/status/1098976410121719808?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 22, 2019</a></blockquote>
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JeM, which claimed responsibility for the recent Pulwama terror attack, has been listed as an associated entity of deceased terror mastermind Osama bin Laden in the list.

The October 19, 2001 statement brings attention to paragraph 8 (c) of resolution 1333 (2000) which calls on all states to freeze funds and other financial assets of designated entities, connected to Laden, on the list, in a bid to completely block funding to Laden, who had claimed responsibility for the ghastly 9/11 attacks in the United States.

This comes after the Pakistan Army held a press conference, where its spokesperson Major General Asif Ghafoor <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/pulwama-attack-india-blaming-pakistan-without-evidence-says-imran-khan-198266">dismissed his country's involvement in the attack</a>, despite Pakistan-based JeM's claim of responsibility.

India has asserted that since JeM, which is based in Pakistan, had itself claimed responsibility for the Pulwama attack, there was no more evidence required.

The United States had, immediately after the attack, called for Pakistan to stop providing support and a safe haven to terrorist organisations in their country, further cementing their stand against terrorism.

Washington, along with other countries, extended support to India in the wake of the February 14 attack which claimed the lives of over 40 CRPF personnel in Jammu and Kashmir.&nbsp;

Putting all speculations to rest, India's Permanent Representative to the United Nations Syed Akbaruddin shared a UN Security Council list dating back to 2001 confirming terror organisation Jaish-e-Mohammed's location as Pakistan.

Putting all speculations to rest, India's Permanent Representative to the United Nations Syed Akbaruddin shared a UN Security Council list dating back to 2001 confirming terror organisation Jaish-e-Mohammed's location as Pakistan. "May I jog your memories? To all friends who think that @UN Security Council does not know where the Jaish-e-Mohammed is located, my humble submission is that issue was settled way back in 2001," Akbaruddin tweeted. May I jog your memories ? To all friends who think that @UN Security Council does not know where the Jaish-e-Mohammed is located, my humble submission is that issue was settled way back in 2001. 🙏🏽https://t.co/V2RrVeWM4j pic.twitter.com/zEttbCV3qx — Syed Akbaruddin (@AkbaruddinIndia) February 22, 2019 × JeM, which claimed responsibility for the recent Pulwama terror attack, has been listed as an associated entity of deceased terror mastermind Osama bin Laden in the list. The October 19, 2001 statement brings attention to paragraph 8 (c) of resolution 1333 (2000) which calls on all states to freeze funds and other financial assets of designated entities, connected to Laden, on the list, in a bid to completely block funding to Laden, who had claimed responsibility for the ghastly 9/11 attacks in the United States. This comes after the Pakistan Army held a press conference, where its spokesperson Major General Asif Ghafoor dismissed his country's involvement in the attack, despite Pakistan-based JeM's claim of responsibility. India has asserted that since JeM, which is based in Pakistan, had itself claimed responsibility for the Pulwama attack, there was no more evidence required. The United States had, immediately after the attack, called for Pakistan to stop providing support and a safe haven to terrorist organisations in their country, further cementing their stand against terrorism. Washington, along with other countries, extended support to India in the wake of the February 14 attack which claimed the lives of over 40 CRPF personnel in Jammu and Kashmir.

2001 UNSC list reconfirms Pakistan as JeM's base: Syed Akbaruddin

UNSC strongly condemns Pulwama attack by JeM

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/air-indias-mumbai-control-centre-receives-hijack-threat-call-all-airports-across-country-put-on-high-alert-199172">Air India’s Mumbai control centre receives hijack threat call, all airports across </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/air-indias-mumbai-control-centre-receives-hijack-threat-call-all-airports-across-country-put-on-high-alert-199172">country</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/air-indias-mumbai-control-centre-receives-hijack-threat-call-all-airports-across-country-put-on-high-alert-199172"> put on high alert</a>

Air India's Mumbai control centre on Saturday received a phone call threatening to hijack its plane, following which Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) ordered all airlines and CISF to follow specific enhanced measures to ensure security, according to an official note.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/i-dont-want-my-children-to-bear-burden-of-nuclear-arms-says-north-koreas-kim-jong-un-199161">I don't want my children to bear </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/i-dont-want-my-children-to-bear-burden-of-nuclear-arms-says-north-koreas-kim-jong-un-199161">burden</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/i-dont-want-my-children-to-bear-burden-of-nuclear-arms-says-north-koreas-kim-jong-un-199161"> of nuclear arms, says North Korea's Kim Jong-un</a>

North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un told the US secretary of state he did not want his children to live with the burden of nuclear weapons, a former CIA officer involved in high-level diplomacy over the North's weapons was quoted as saying on Saturday.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/venezuelan-troops-fire-tear-gas-at-colombian-border-report-199168">Venezuelan troops fire tear gas at Colombian border: Report</a>

Venezuelan troops near the Colombian border on Saturday fired tear gas at a group of people seeking to cross into the neighbouring nation to work, news agency Reuters reported.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/300-vehicles-burnt-as-massive-fire-engulfs-aero-india-show-in-bengaluru-199152">300 vehicles burnt as massive fire engulfs Aero India show in Bengaluru</a>

Around 300 vehicles have been gutted after a massive fire broke out at the parking lot of Bengaluru's Yelahanka Air Force Station, where the Aero India 2019 show was being held.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghanistan-writes-to-unsc-again-on-pakistan-alleges-violations-by-pakistan-forces-199149">Afghanistan writes to UNSC again on Islamabad, alleges violations by Pakistan forces</a>

For the second time in a week, Afghanistan has taken its neighbour Pakistan to United Nations Security Council (UNSC).&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Air India’s Mumbai control centre receives hijack threat call, all airports across country put on high alert Air India's Mumbai control centre on Saturday received a phone call threatening to hijack its plane, following which Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) ordered all airlines and CISF to follow specific enhanced measures to ensure security, according to an official note.

Air India’s Mumbai control centre receives hijack threat call, all airports across country put on high alert Air India's Mumbai control centre on Saturday received a phone call threatening to hijack its plane, following which Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) ordered all airlines and CISF to follow specific enhanced measures to ensure security, according to an official note. I don't want my children to bear burden of nuclear arms, says North Korea's Kim Jong-un North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un told the US secretary of state he did not want his children to live with the burden of nuclear weapons, a former CIA officer involved in high-level diplomacy over the North's weapons was quoted as saying on Saturday. Venezuelan troops fire tear gas at Colombian border: Report Venezuelan troops near the Colombian border on Saturday fired tear gas at a group of people seeking to cross into the neighbouring nation to work, news agency Reuters reported. 300 vehicles burnt as massive fire engulfs Aero India show in Bengaluru Around 300 vehicles have been gutted after a massive fire broke out at the parking lot of Bengaluru's Yelahanka Air Force Station, where the Aero India 2019 show was being held. Afghanistan writes to UNSC again on Islamabad, alleges violations by Pakistan forces For the second time in a week, Afghanistan has taken its neighbour Pakistan to United Nations Security Council (UNSC).

News brief: Big stories of the day

In a major development and victory for India's diplomatic campaign against Pakistan, the United Nation Security Council (UNSC) has not only condemned <a href="http://www.wionews.com/opinions/pulwama-attack-cannot-be-allowed-to-go-unanswered-198875">the Pulwama terror attack </a>but also mentioned Jaish-e-Mohammed (JEM), the group responsible for the attack. The motion for the press statement was moved by the United States.

UN Security Council in a press statement said, "The members of the Security Council condemned in the strongest terms the heinous and cowardly suicide bombing... for which Jaish-e-Mohammed has claimed responsibility".

The resolution was adopted unanimously by the UNSC (permanent and non permanent members). It contains specific language that India had proposed via partner countries including on the naming of JeM, and bring perpetrators to justice.

This is significant since China is one of the 5 permanent members of UNSC. The other 4 are - US, Russia, UK and France. China did try to create issues due to which negotiations were prolonged.

China has been blocking the listing of JeM chief Masood Azhar as an international terrorist under 1267 committee of UNSC and has blocked India's bid to list him many times citing lack of consensus. France is expected again to <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/in-couple-of-days-france-to-move-proposal-at-un-to-ban-jem-chief-masood-azhar-198359">propose his listing</a>.

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A statement with many firsts takes more time than expected. 
 
In complex diplomatic situations, however, it is better to be late than never. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/zerotolerance4terror?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#zerotolerance4terror</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/JaiHind?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#JaiHind</a> <a href="https://t.co/2ZbIg1wYh0">pic.twitter.com/2ZbIg1wYh0</a>
— Syed Akbaruddin (@AkbaruddinIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/AkbaruddinIndia/status/1098787124751618049?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 22, 2019</a></blockquote>
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The members of the Security Council also expressed their "deepest sympathy and condolences to the families of the victims" as well as to the "Indian people and the government of India, and wished a speedy and full recovery to those who were injured."

Further, reaffirming that "terrorism in all its forms and manifestations constitutes one of the most serious threats to international peace and security," members of the Security Council underlined the need to hold the "perpetrators, organizers, financiers and sponsors of these reprehensible acts of terrorism accountable and bring them to justice".

Without taking names, the UN body urged all states to cooperate actively with the Government of India and all other relevant authorities in this regard.

The UNSC reiterated that any acts of terrorism are "criminal and unjustifiable" regardless of their motivation, wherever, whenever and by whomsoever committed.&nbsp;

Last week's terror that killed more than 40 CRPF personnel was the worst in the state of Jammu &amp; Kashmir in more than 2 decades.

India in the aftermath of Pulwama attack has withdrawn the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-withdraws-most-favoured-nation-status-accorded-to-pakistan-after-pulwama-attack-197540">Most Favoured Nation</a> (MFN) status to Islamabad, hiking customs duty on Pak imports by 200% and has unleashed a diplomatic campaign to isolate the country.

New Delhi has briefed more than 30 foreign envoys from ASEAN, Africa, Central Asia, permanent and non-permanent members of the United Nation Security Council about Pakistan's involvement in the terror attack.

In a major development and victory for India's diplomatic campaign against Pakistan, the United Nation Security Council (UNSC) has not only condemned the Pulwama terror attack but also mentioned Jaish-e-Mohammed (JEM), the group responsible for the attack.

In a major development and victory for India's diplomatic campaign against Pakistan, the United Nation Security Council (UNSC) has not only condemned the Pulwama terror attack but also mentioned Jaish-e-Mohammed (JEM), the group responsible for the attack. The motion for the press statement was moved by the United States. UN Security Council in a press statement said, "The members of the Security Council condemned in the strongest terms the heinous and cowardly suicide bombing... for which Jaish-e-Mohammed has claimed responsibility". The resolution was adopted unanimously by the UNSC (permanent and non permanent members). It contains specific language that India had proposed via partner countries including on the naming of JeM, and bring perpetrators to justice. This is significant since China is one of the 5 permanent members of UNSC. The other 4 are - US, Russia, UK and France. China did try to create issues due to which negotiations were prolonged. China has been blocking the listing of JeM chief Masood Azhar as an international terrorist under 1267 committee of UNSC and has blocked India's bid to list him many times citing lack of consensus. France is expected again to propose his listing. A statement with many firsts takes more time than expected. In complex diplomatic situations, however, it is better to be late than never. #zerotolerance4terror#JaiHind pic.twitter.com/2ZbIg1wYh0 — Syed Akbaruddin (@AkbaruddinIndia) February 22, 2019 × The members of the Security Council also expressed their "deepest sympathy and condolences to the families of the victims" as well as to the "Indian people and the government of India, and wished a speedy and full recovery to those who were injured." Further, reaffirming that "terrorism in all its forms and manifestations constitutes one of the most serious threats to international peace and security," members of the Security Council underlined the need to hold the "perpetrators, organizers, financiers and sponsors of these reprehensible acts of terrorism accountable and bring them to justice". Without taking names, the UN body urged all states to cooperate actively with the Government of India and all other relevant authorities in this regard. The UNSC reiterated that any acts of terrorism are "criminal and unjustifiable" regardless of their motivation, wherever, whenever and by whomsoever committed. Last week's terror that killed more than 40 CRPF personnel was the worst in the state of Jammu & Kashmir in more than 2 decades. India in the aftermath of Pulwama attack has withdrawn the Most Favoured Nation (MFN) status to Islamabad, hiking customs duty on Pak imports by 200% and has unleashed a diplomatic campaign to isolate the country. New Delhi has briefed more than 30 foreign envoys from ASEAN, Africa, Central Asia, permanent and non-permanent members of the United Nation Security Council about Pakistan's involvement in the terror attack.

Pulwama attack: UN Security Council condemns 'heinous and cowardly suicide bombing'

UNSC strongly condemns 'heinous and cowardly' Pulwama attack by JeM

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/unsc-statement-mentioned-jem-in-general-terms-it-does-not-represent-judgment-on-pulwama-attack-china-198964">UNSC statement mentioned JeM in general terms, it does not represent </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/unsc-statement-mentioned-jem-in-general-terms-it-does-not-represent-judgment-on-pulwama-attack-china-198964">judgement</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/unsc-statement-mentioned-jem-in-general-terms-it-does-not-represent-judgment-on-pulwama-attack-china-198964"> on Pulwama attack: China</a>

China, a permanent member of the UN Security Council on Friday sought to downplay the scathing statement issued by the powerful organ of the world body naming Jaish-e-Muhammad(JeM) in the Pulwama terror attack, saying the mention of the Pakistan-based outfit was only in "general terms" and "does not represent a judgement".

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/fatf-comes-hard-on-pakistan-says-islamabad-has-not-demonstrated-proper-understanding-of-terror-financing-198944">Pakistan hasn't demonstrated </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/fatf-comes-hard-on-pakistan-says-islamabad-has-not-demonstrated-proper-understanding-of-terror-financing-198944">proper</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/fatf-comes-hard-on-pakistan-says-islamabad-has-not-demonstrated-proper-understanding-of-terror-financing-198944"> understanding of terror financing: FATF</a>

The Financial Action Task Force (FATF) has come hard on Pakistan saying it has not demonstrated a proper understanding of the terror financing risks posed by "Da’esh, AQ, JuD, FiF, LeT, JeM, HQN, and persons affiliated with the Taliban. "

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/would-hate-to-give-two-points-to-pakistan-in-world-cup-sachin-tendulkar-198983">'Time to beat them once again': Tendulkar backs Gavaskar on Indo-Pak World Cup clash</a>

Cricket icon Sachin Tendulkar Friday said he would "hate" to see India concede two points to Pakistan by not playing them in the upcoming World Cup as such a move would only help the arch-rivals in the mega-event.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/china-against-forcefully-sending-aid-to-venezuela-198958">China against forcefully sending aid to Venezuela: Foreign ministry</a>

China said Friday it was against forcefully sending "so-called humanitarian assistance" to Venezuela, warning it could spark conflict in the crisis-torn country.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/jk-encounter-underway-between-security-forces-and-terrorists-in-sopore-198965">J&amp;K: One terrorist killed in </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/jk-encounter-underway-between-security-forces-and-terrorists-in-sopore-198965">ongoing</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/jk-encounter-underway-between-security-forces-and-terrorists-in-sopore-198965"> encounter between security forces and terrorists</a>

One terrorist was shot dead in the ongoing encounter between terrorists and security forces in Warpora area of Sopore in Baramulla district on Friday morning.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

UNSC statement mentioned JeM in general terms, it does not represent judgement on Pulwama attack: China China, a permanent member of the UN Security Council on Friday sought to downplay the scathing statement issued by the powerful organ of the world body naming Jaish-e-Muhammad(JeM) in the Pulwama terror attack, saying the mention of the Pakistan-based outfit was only in "general terms" and "does not represent a judgement".

UNSC statement mentioned JeM in general terms, it does not represent judgement on Pulwama attack: China China, a permanent member of the UN Security Council on Friday sought to downplay the scathing statement issued by the powerful organ of the world body naming Jaish-e-Muhammad(JeM) in the Pulwama terror attack, saying the mention of the Pakistan-based outfit was only in "general terms" and "does not represent a judgement". Pakistan hasn't demonstrated proper understanding of terror financing: FATF The Financial Action Task Force (FATF) has come hard on Pakistan saying it has not demonstrated a proper understanding of the terror financing risks posed by "Da’esh, AQ, JuD, FiF, LeT, JeM, HQN, and persons affiliated with the Taliban. " 'Time to beat them once again': Tendulkar backs Gavaskar on Indo-Pak World Cup clash Cricket icon Sachin Tendulkar Friday said he would "hate" to see India concede two points to Pakistan by not playing them in the upcoming World Cup as such a move would only help the arch-rivals in the mega-event. China against forcefully sending aid to Venezuela: Foreign ministry China said Friday it was against forcefully sending "so-called humanitarian assistance" to Venezuela, warning it could spark conflict in the crisis-torn country. J&K: One terrorist killed in ongoing encounter between security forces and terrorists One terrorist was shot dead in the ongoing encounter between terrorists and security forces in Warpora area of Sopore in Baramulla district on Friday morning.

However much we feel angry over China’s fresh refusal to back India’s demand to designate JeM chief Masood Azhar as a global terrorist by the UN, which would paralyse his terror network, there is practically nothing that we could do, because we have buckled under Pakistan’s nuclear blackmail, facilitated by China that gave Pakistan nuclear know-how to counter and stunt India. When it came to Pakistani transfers of Western technology to China’s nuclear programme, the United States was ambivalent — and some in the US government were even tacitly supportive.

Now, when we see Azhar on the rampage, causing incalculable harm to India’s strategic interests, it is worth our while to recall that ever since Pakistan acquired nuclear weapons, they exploited it to the hilt, mounting attack after attack on us with little wherewithal for India either to punish Pakistan or change its behaviour. While Pakistan got away by inflicting a 26/11 on India or mounting an attack on Indian Parliament, or later at Uri, Pathankot and Pulwama — bleeding us to “thousand cuts” — we have thus far remained content with a few symbolic hangings and strikes and unsubstantial, effete cries for revenge.&nbsp;

We took little notice of the implications of Pakistan’s growing nuclearisation for managing the situation in Kashmir since 1991, a fact highlighted by the Subrahmanyam Committee probing the Kargil debacle. Perhaps the fuller implications of Bhutto’s famous pronouncement in 1965, that “If … India builds the atom bomb…. Pakistan will eat grass or leaves, even go hungry, but we will get one of our own” are on display now.

If we are particularly appalled by the carnage at Pulwama unleashed by JeM, and particularly miffed over China’s dogged intransigence, it is important to understand the India-centric foundations for the China-Pakistan relationship seen in the prism of the three crucial wars. The Sino-Indian war of 1962 made the value of strategic cooperation fully apparent to the Chinese and the Pakistanis and brought a rapid resolution to their own outstanding border dispute.

&nbsp;The Indo-Pakistani war of 1965 in which there was a real prospect of Chinese intervention on Pakistan’s behalf formed the basis of China’s status as the “all-weather friend” in the Pakistani public imagination. The 1971 Indo-Pakistani war — in which though Beijing failed to come to Islamabad’s aid — set in motion security cooperation of an even more significant nature. After Pakistan’s devastating defeat, China helped the country develop a set of military capabilities to ensure that it would never face the same fate again. Central to this was China’s backing for Pakistan’s nuclear ambition which, as it stands today, has given Pakistan the near-sovereign right to inflict substantial damage on India without the prospect of incurring any substantial retaliation. In reality, China’s greatest contribution to Pakistan’s security is something more important than that: the ultimate means of self-defence. That’s the reason why India cannot tinker with Pakistan despite grave provocations or can do little even as Pakistan continues to harbour terrorists like Masood Azhar, Hafiz Saeed and Zaki-ur-Rehman Lakhvi.

Perhaps that’s also the reason why India’s best bet is not militarism but diplomacy. Rightly, it appealed to all members of the international community to “support the proposal to list terrorists, including JeM chief Masood Azhar, as a designated terrorist and to ban terrorist organisations operating from territories controlled by Pakistan.” Though nations like the US, the UK, Russia, and France have expressed solidarity with India in combating terrorism, China kept its stand on Masood Azhar unchanged perhaps because supporting Azhar could be a handle to needle India and appease Pakistan to extract strategic benefit from it. &nbsp;

Pakistan’s autonomy and even survival as a state have been preserved by its nuclear capacity. But, its dependence on China to achieve this comes with a threat of spillover terrorism to the world community, and this threat arising out of Sino-Pak entente cordiale has to be appreciated by the UNSC. China is a looming threat to the security architecture of Southeast Asia with a verifiable record to trigger irresponsible proliferation if one is mindful of an unchecked fissile material trade as one of the consequences of the break-up of the Soviet Union. It is only a matter of time before terrorists get a nuclear weapon. And the worse fallout of this adventurism is that akin to India having to contend with Kashmir, China has Xinjiang, and Pakistan Baluchistan to deal with, where a ‘nuclear deterrent relationship’ cannot be established with non-state actors, as targeting them with even a small nuclear weapon would be impossible without incurring unacceptable collateral damage and provoking global outrage. We all know what’s sauce for the goose is sauce for the gander.

(This article was originally published on the DNA. Read the original article)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

However much we feel angry over China’s fresh refusal to back India’s demand to designate JeM chief Masood Azhar as a global terrorist by the UN, which would paralyse his terror network, there is practically nothing that we could do, because we have buckled under Pakistan’s nuclear blackmail, facilitated by China that gave Pakistan nuclear know-how to counter and stunt India.

However much we feel angry over China’s fresh refusal to back India’s demand to designate JeM chief Masood Azhar as a global terrorist by the UN, which would paralyse his terror network, there is practically nothing that we could do, because we have buckled under Pakistan’s nuclear blackmail, facilitated by China that gave Pakistan nuclear know-how to counter and stunt India. When it came to Pakistani transfers of Western technology to China’s nuclear programme, the United States was ambivalent — and some in the US government were even tacitly supportive. Now, when we see Azhar on the rampage, causing incalculable harm to India’s strategic interests, it is worth our while to recall that ever since Pakistan acquired nuclear weapons, they exploited it to the hilt, mounting attack after attack on us with little wherewithal for India either to punish Pakistan or change its behaviour. While Pakistan got away by inflicting a 26/11 on India or mounting an attack on Indian Parliament, or later at Uri, Pathankot and Pulwama — bleeding us to “thousand cuts” — we have thus far remained content with a few symbolic hangings and strikes and unsubstantial, effete cries for revenge. We took little notice of the implications of Pakistan’s growing nuclearisation for managing the situation in Kashmir since 1991, a fact highlighted by the Subrahmanyam Committee probing the Kargil debacle. Perhaps the fuller implications of Bhutto’s famous pronouncement in 1965, that “If … India builds the atom bomb…. Pakistan will eat grass or leaves, even go hungry, but we will get one of our own” are on display now. If we are particularly appalled by the carnage at Pulwama unleashed by JeM, and particularly miffed over China’s dogged intransigence, it is important to understand the India-centric foundations for the China-Pakistan relationship seen in the prism of the three crucial wars. The Sino-Indian war of 1962 made the value of strategic cooperation fully apparent to the Chinese and the Pakistanis and brought a rapid resolution to their own outstanding border dispute. The Indo-Pakistani war of 1965 in which there was a real prospect of Chinese intervention on Pakistan’s behalf formed the basis of China’s status as the “all-weather friend” in the Pakistani public imagination. The 1971 Indo-Pakistani war — in which though Beijing failed to come to Islamabad’s aid — set in motion security cooperation of an even more significant nature. After Pakistan’s devastating defeat, China helped the country develop a set of military capabilities to ensure that it would never face the same fate again. Central to this was China’s backing for Pakistan’s nuclear ambition which, as it stands today, has given Pakistan the near-sovereign right to inflict substantial damage on India without the prospect of incurring any substantial retaliation. In reality, China’s greatest contribution to Pakistan’s security is something more important than that: the ultimate means of self-defence. That’s the reason why India cannot tinker with Pakistan despite grave provocations or can do little even as Pakistan continues to harbour terrorists like Masood Azhar, Hafiz Saeed and Zaki-ur-Rehman Lakhvi. Perhaps that’s also the reason why India’s best bet is not militarism but diplomacy. Rightly, it appealed to all members of the international community to “support the proposal to list terrorists, including JeM chief Masood Azhar, as a designated terrorist and to ban terrorist organisations operating from territories controlled by Pakistan.” Though nations like the US, the UK, Russia, and France have expressed solidarity with India in combating terrorism, China kept its stand on Masood Azhar unchanged perhaps because supporting Azhar could be a handle to needle India and appease Pakistan to extract strategic benefit from it. Pakistan’s autonomy and even survival as a state have been preserved by its nuclear capacity. But, its dependence on China to achieve this comes with a threat of spillover terrorism to the world community, and this threat arising out of Sino-Pak entente cordiale has to be appreciated by the UNSC. China is a looming threat to the security architecture of Southeast Asia with a verifiable record to trigger irresponsible proliferation if one is mindful of an unchecked fissile material trade as one of the consequences of the break-up of the Soviet Union. It is only a matter of time before terrorists get a nuclear weapon. And the worse fallout of this adventurism is that akin to India having to contend with Kashmir, China has Xinjiang, and Pakistan Baluchistan to deal with, where a ‘nuclear deterrent relationship’ cannot be established with non-state actors, as targeting them with even a small nuclear weapon would be impossible without incurring unacceptable collateral damage and provoking global outrage. We all know what’s sauce for the goose is sauce for the gander. (This article was originally published on the DNA. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

The China-Pakistan entente poses a grave threat to the world

Afghanistan on Sunday voiced its concern to United Nations Security Council on Pakistan’s engagements with Taliban, saying it not only undermines ongoing peace efforts but violates Afghanistan's National Sovereignty and UNSC Resolution 1988.

This comes in the wake of Pakistan's invitation to the Taliban to hold talks with Prime Minister Imran Khan.

In a letter written to the UNSC, Afghanistan’s mission to the United Nations mentioned that Pakistan’s invitation to the Taliban amounted to a violation of Afghanistan's national sovereignty.

As there was no coordination with the Afghan government, it poses a serious threat to Afghanistan's security.

"The Taliban members were sanctioned by provisions of the UN Security Council s 1988 Committee's sanctions regime," it added.

Last week, Afghan President Ashraf Ghani said that his government is ready to allow the Taliban to open an office in Kabul, Kandahar or Nangarhar provinces to bring "lasting and honourable peace to the country".

"If the Taliban want an office, I will give it to them in Kabul, Nangarhar or Kandahar by tomorrow." Tolo news quoted Ghani, as saying.

"We will bring lasting and honourable peace to the country," he added.

The President made these remarks during his visit to Nangarhar province, which is considered as a stronghold of the Taliban.

For sustainable peace, Ghani said that he is ready to sacrifice his life too.

While criticising Moscow talks which were held from February 5 to February 8, Ghani said, "The nation says that they (Afghan politicians and Taliban members) did not go to Mecca but they went to Moscow (for talks on peace); therefore, they should answer to this question."

The government has criticised the talks from the beginning by saying that the talks hosted by Russia were against the spirit of Afghan-led and owned peace process.

The government also lodged a complaint with the United Nations over a recent trip by UN-blacklisted Taliban members to Moscow to attend talks.&nbsp;

Afghanistan on Sunday voiced its concern to United Nations Security Council on Pakistan’s engagements with Taliban, saying it not only undermines ongoing peace efforts but violates Afghanistan's National Sovereignty and UNSC Resolution 1988.

Afghanistan on Sunday voiced its concern to United Nations Security Council on Pakistan’s engagements with Taliban, saying it not only undermines ongoing peace efforts but violates Afghanistan's National Sovereignty and UNSC Resolution 1988. This comes in the wake of Pakistan's invitation to the Taliban to hold talks with Prime Minister Imran Khan. In a letter written to the UNSC, Afghanistan’s mission to the United Nations mentioned that Pakistan’s invitation to the Taliban amounted to a violation of Afghanistan's national sovereignty. As there was no coordination with the Afghan government, it poses a serious threat to Afghanistan's security. "The Taliban members were sanctioned by provisions of the UN Security Council s 1988 Committee's sanctions regime," it added. Last week, Afghan President Ashraf Ghani said that his government is ready to allow the Taliban to open an office in Kabul, Kandahar or Nangarhar provinces to bring "lasting and honourable peace to the country". "If the Taliban want an office, I will give it to them in Kabul, Nangarhar or Kandahar by tomorrow." Tolo news quoted Ghani, as saying. "We will bring lasting and honourable peace to the country," he added. The President made these remarks during his visit to Nangarhar province, which is considered as a stronghold of the Taliban. For sustainable peace, Ghani said that he is ready to sacrifice his life too. While criticising Moscow talks which were held from February 5 to February 8, Ghani said, "The nation says that they (Afghan politicians and Taliban members) did not go to Mecca but they went to Moscow (for talks on peace); therefore, they should answer to this question." The government has criticised the talks from the beginning by saying that the talks hosted by Russia were against the spirit of Afghan-led and owned peace process. The government also lodged a complaint with the United Nations over a recent trip by UN-blacklisted Taliban members to Moscow to attend talks.

Pakistan-Taliban meeting: Afghanistan seeks UNSC intervention

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