Afghanistan has also come hard on Pakistan and complained about the country to the United Nations security council (UNSC) on Islamabad's engagement with the Taliban and support to terror groups. The letter accessed by WION talks about how Pakistan is undermining the sovereignty of Afghanistan with its engagement with the Taliban.

The letter written by Afghanistan's Deputy Permanent Representative to United Nations Nazifullah Salarzai on Friday says Pakistan's engagements with Taliban which "are taking place under the pretext of support for peace efforts in Afghanistan" are "void of any degree of coordination and consultation with the Government of Afghanistan."

The letter explained Ghani's government's viewpoint of the Afghan peace process and said "Government of Afghanistan welcomes and appreciates all efforts aimed at achieving the goal of a peaceful settlement...so long as they are rendered in a manner that conforms to the established principle of Afghan ownership and leadership of the process"

Pakistan government had invited the Taliban for talks along with the United States on Monday with Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan also meeting the group. The Taliban in a release said at the "formal invitation of the government of Pakistan" meeting was scheduled to take place "between the negotiation teams of the Islamic Emirate and the US on 18th of February 2019 in Islamabad." The Taliban in a statement said the meet has been postponed since most of the members of the group are on US/UN blacklist and cannot travel.&nbsp;

The Afghan govt in the letter slammed Khan-Taliban meet and said, "This initiative is a source of deep regret and concern to the people and Government of Afghanistan as it amounts to the official recognition and legitimization of an armed-group that poses a serious threat to the security and stability of Afghanistan"

Kabul said Pakistan's engagement with the Taliban also violates the "provisions of the 1988 Committee’s Sanctions Regime undermine efforts for a peaceful settlement of the current conflict."

Based on the Taliban statement issued on 12 February on the group’s website, members of the Taliban delegation who have been introduced and are listed in the 1988 Committee’s sanctions regime include: Sher Mohammad Stanekzai; Ziauddin Madani; Salam Hanafi; Shahabuddin Delawar; Abdul Latif Mansur; Amir Khan Motaqi; Fazl Mohammad Mazloom and Nurullah Nuri.

Afghan foreign ministry spokesperson Sibghatullah Ahmadi also tweeted about the developments. In a tweet, Ahmadi said, "Afghanistan complains to UN Security Council on Pakistan’s engagements with the Taliban on which Afg Government is not consulted." Elaborating further he said, "It not only undermines the ongoing peace efforts but violates Afghanistan's National Sovereignty, also falls in violation of UNSC Resolution 1988."

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Afghanistan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Afghanistan</a> complains to <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UNSecurityCouncil?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UNSecurityCouncil</a> on <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Pakistan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Pakistan</a>’s engagements with the Taliban on which <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Afg?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Afg</a> Government is not consulted. It not only undermines the ongoing peace efforts but violates Afghanistan's National Sovereignty, also falls in violation of UNSC Resolution 1988. <a href="https://t.co/FtmnwivvX2">pic.twitter.com/FtmnwivvX2</a>
— Sibghatullah Ahmadi (@Sibghat_Ah) <a href="https://twitter.com/Sibghat_Ah/status/1097092008093593600?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 17, 2019</a></blockquote>
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India's official policy on the Afghan peace process is that it should be "Afghan-owned, Afghan-led and Afghan-controlled".

Afghanistan also slammed Pakistan on its support to terrorism. The letter written a day after the Pulwama terror attack in India, said, "we also expect of, and call on the Government of Pakistan to take decisive action against known terrorist and extremist groups on its territory, which pose a common threat to Afghanistan, Pakistan and the region."

Further adding, " Any passivity in fulfilling this objective not only undermines broader counterterrorism efforts but also have a profound impact in providing further space and capacity for such groups to continue their attacks in Afghanistan and the wider region."

In past Afghanistan has raised Pakistan's support to terror in the region and asked Islamabad to stop giving safe haven to terrorists. A number of terror attacks in Afghanistan have been linked to terror outfits based in Pakistan.

Afghanistan has also come hard on Pakistan and complained about the country to the United Nations security council (UNSC) on Islamabad's engagement with the Taliban and support to terror groups.

Afghanistan has also come hard on Pakistan and complained about the country to the United Nations security council (UNSC) on Islamabad's engagement with the Taliban and support to terror groups. The letter accessed by WION talks about how Pakistan is undermining the sovereignty of Afghanistan with its engagement with the Taliban. The letter written by Afghanistan's Deputy Permanent Representative to United Nations Nazifullah Salarzai on Friday says Pakistan's engagements with Taliban which "are taking place under the pretext of support for peace efforts in Afghanistan" are "void of any degree of coordination and consultation with the Government of Afghanistan." The letter explained Ghani's government's viewpoint of the Afghan peace process and said "Government of Afghanistan welcomes and appreciates all efforts aimed at achieving the goal of a peaceful settlement...so long as they are rendered in a manner that conforms to the established principle of Afghan ownership and leadership of the process" Pakistan government had invited the Taliban for talks along with the United States on Monday with Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan also meeting the group. The Taliban in a release said at the "formal invitation of the government of Pakistan" meeting was scheduled to take place "between the negotiation teams of the Islamic Emirate and the US on 18th of February 2019 in Islamabad." The Taliban in a statement said the meet has been postponed since most of the members of the group are on US/UN blacklist and cannot travel. The Afghan govt in the letter slammed Khan-Taliban meet and said, "This initiative is a source of deep regret and concern to the people and Government of Afghanistan as it amounts to the official recognition and legitimization of an armed-group that poses a serious threat to the security and stability of Afghanistan" Kabul said Pakistan's engagement with the Taliban also violates the "provisions of the 1988 Committee’s Sanctions Regime undermine efforts for a peaceful settlement of the current conflict." Based on the Taliban statement issued on 12 February on the group’s website, members of the Taliban delegation who have been introduced and are listed in the 1988 Committee’s sanctions regime include: Sher Mohammad Stanekzai; Ziauddin Madani; Salam Hanafi; Shahabuddin Delawar; Abdul Latif Mansur; Amir Khan Motaqi; Fazl Mohammad Mazloom and Nurullah Nuri. Afghan foreign ministry spokesperson Sibghatullah Ahmadi also tweeted about the developments. In a tweet, Ahmadi said, "Afghanistan complains to UN Security Council on Pakistan’s engagements with the Taliban on which Afg Government is not consulted." Elaborating further he said, "It not only undermines the ongoing peace efforts but violates Afghanistan's National Sovereignty, also falls in violation of UNSC Resolution 1988." #Afghanistan complains to #UNSecurityCouncil on #Pakistan’s engagements with the Taliban on which #Afg Government is not consulted. It not only undermines the ongoing peace efforts but violates Afghanistan's National Sovereignty, also falls in violation of UNSC Resolution 1988. pic.twitter.com/FtmnwivvX2 — Sibghatullah Ahmadi (@Sibghat_Ah) February 17, 2019 × India's official policy on the Afghan peace process is that it should be "Afghan-owned, Afghan-led and Afghan-controlled". Afghanistan also slammed Pakistan on its support to terrorism. The letter written a day after the Pulwama terror attack in India, said, "we also expect of, and call on the Government of Pakistan to take decisive action against known terrorist and extremist groups on its territory, which pose a common threat to Afghanistan, Pakistan and the region." Further adding, " Any passivity in fulfilling this objective not only undermines broader counterterrorism efforts but also have a profound impact in providing further space and capacity for such groups to continue their attacks in Afghanistan and the wider region." In past Afghanistan has raised Pakistan's support to terror in the region and asked Islamabad to stop giving safe haven to terrorists. A number of terror attacks in Afghanistan have been linked to terror outfits based in Pakistan.

Afghanistan complains about Pakistan to UNSC on terror, Taliban

Days after a terror attack in the southeastern Sistan and Balouchestan that killed 27 revolutionary guards, Iran on Sunday summoned Pakistan ambassador Riffat Masood to lodge a formal protest.&nbsp;

Pakistan based Jaish ul-Adl has taken responsibility for the attacks with Iranian president Hassan Rouhani pledging to avenge the attack. He said "our nation will certainly take revenge for the blood of these dear martyrs”

Remember on Friday, India had summoned Pakistani high commissioner Sohail Mahmood in the aftermath of Pulwama terror attack.&nbsp;

Multiple reactions are coming from Iran in the aftermath of the attack. Local Iranian media on Saturday reported that the Commander of Revolution Guards (IRGC) Major General Mohammad Ali Jafari said, '“Iran will retaliate against the group [that conducted the attack] if Pakistan fails to punish them.” Iran's Parliament Speaker Ali Larijani has also slammed Pakistan and called on Islamabad to be held accountable for the terror attack.

Meanwhile, Pakistan's foreign minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi called on Iran's foreign minister Javad Zarif and said his country is ready to cooperate to investigate the attack.&nbsp;

India's external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj had made a stopover in Tehran on Saturday while going to Bulgaria and had a meeting with Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister for Political Affairs Seyyed Abbas Araqchi. During the meeting, both discussed the recent Pulwama terror attack in India and attack on the revolutionary guards in Iran.

In a press statement issued by Iran's foreign ministry, "They condemned the recent terrorist attacks in Iran's Sistan and Baluchestan and India"s Srinagar, and offered sympathy to each other."

Adding further the release said, "The two sides underlined the necessity of establishing peace and calm in the region through dialogue."

After the meet, Araqchi had also tweeted saying "we agreed on close cooperation to combat terrorism in the region. Enough is enough!"

Days after a terror attack in the southeastern Sistan and Balouchestan that killed 27 revolutionary guards, Iran on Sunday summoned Pakistan ambassador Riffat Masood to lodge a formal protest.

Days after a terror attack in the southeastern Sistan and Balouchestan that killed 27 revolutionary guards, Iran on Sunday summoned Pakistan ambassador Riffat Masood to lodge a formal protest. Pakistan based Jaish ul-Adl has taken responsibility for the attacks with Iranian president Hassan Rouhani pledging to avenge the attack. He said "our nation will certainly take revenge for the blood of these dear martyrs” Remember on Friday, India had summoned Pakistani high commissioner Sohail Mahmood in the aftermath of Pulwama terror attack. Multiple reactions are coming from Iran in the aftermath of the attack. Local Iranian media on Saturday reported that the Commander of Revolution Guards (IRGC) Major General Mohammad Ali Jafari said, '“Iran will retaliate against the group [that conducted the attack] if Pakistan fails to punish them.” Iran's Parliament Speaker Ali Larijani has also slammed Pakistan and called on Islamabad to be held accountable for the terror attack. Meanwhile, Pakistan's foreign minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi called on Iran's foreign minister Javad Zarif and said his country is ready to cooperate to investigate the attack. India's external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj had made a stopover in Tehran on Saturday while going to Bulgaria and had a meeting with Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister for Political Affairs Seyyed Abbas Araqchi. During the meeting, both discussed the recent Pulwama terror attack in India and attack on the revolutionary guards in Iran. In a press statement issued by Iran's foreign ministry, "They condemned the recent terrorist attacks in Iran's Sistan and Baluchestan and India"s Srinagar, and offered sympathy to each other." Adding further the release said, "The two sides underlined the necessity of establishing peace and calm in the region through dialogue." After the meet, Araqchi had also tweeted saying "we agreed on close cooperation to combat terrorism in the region. Enough is enough!"

After India, Iran lashes out on Pakistan on terror front; summons Pak envoy

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/indias-mfn-status-to-pakistan-what-it-means-how-it-impacts-trade-197569">India slammed Pakistan Foreign Secretary</a> (FS) Tehmina Janjua on Friday after the latter in his&nbsp;briefing to ambassador of permanent five (P5) members of United Nations security council (UNSC) rejected Pakistan's involvement in the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/pulwama-terror-attack-nia-begins-investigation-7-detained-after-raids-197621">Pulwama attack</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The ministry of external affairs in a release said, "JeM has claimed responsibility for the attack. The organisation and its leadership are located in Pakistan. LeT and other terror groups have welcomed the news of the attack. These groups are also based in Pakistan. Pakistan cannot claim that it is unaware of their presence and their activities."

"They have not taken any action against these groups despite international demands, especially against groups and individuals proscribed by the UN and other countries. The links to Pakistan are clear and evident for all to see," the release further said.&nbsp;

The Indian government alleged that Pakistan ministers had shared stage with UN proscribed terrorists.

Pakistani ministers have been sharing dais with terrorist 26/11 mastermind Hafiz Saeed. In September 2018 Pakistan's Religious Affairs and Inter-faith Minister Noor-ul-Haq Qadri shared a platform with Hafiz Saeed, with both making anti-India statements.

Last year a video surfaced in which Pakistan's Minister of State for Interior Shehryar Khan Afridi had openly expressed the support of current Imran Khan administration to Hafiz Saeed and his organization.&nbsp;

In the first week of February Hafiz Saeed carried out a massive rally in Lahore.

India also rejected Pakistan's demand for an "investigation" since a there exists video of the suicide bomber declaring himself a member of the JeM. Audio-visual and print material linking JeM to the terrorist attack is present too which MEA said leaves "no doubt that the claim is firmly established."

Pakistani FS also talked about constructive approach towards India which was also rejected by New Delhi.&nbsp;

MEA said, 'What we have noticed, however, are claims to offer dialogue on the one hand, while &nbsp;sponsoring and sheltering terrorists and terrorist organizations such as JeM on the other."

India's official stance on Pakistan has been talks and terror cant go together but talks on terror can happen.&nbsp;

Reiterating its stance on strong action on terrorist safe havens MEA demanded "Pakistan take immediate and verifiable action against terrorists and terror groups operating from territories"

Meanwhile, India on Friday briefed about Pakistan's involvement in Pulwama attack to P5 countries along with South Asian countries, Japan and&nbsp;Germany.&nbsp;

On Saturday, India will be briefing ASEAN ambassadors about the incident. 
&nbsp;

India slammed Pakistan Foreign Secretary (FS) Tehmina Janjua on Friday after the latter in his briefing to ambassador of permanent five (P5) members of United Nations security council (UNSC) rejected Pakistan's involvement in the Pulwama attack.

India slammed Pakistan Foreign Secretary (FS) Tehmina Janjua on Friday after the latter in his briefing to ambassador of permanent five (P5) members of United Nations security council (UNSC) rejected Pakistan's involvement in the Pulwama attack. The ministry of external affairs in a release said, "JeM has claimed responsibility for the attack. The organisation and its leadership are located in Pakistan. LeT and other terror groups have welcomed the news of the attack. These groups are also based in Pakistan. Pakistan cannot claim that it is unaware of their presence and their activities." "They have not taken any action against these groups despite international demands, especially against groups and individuals proscribed by the UN and other countries. The links to Pakistan are clear and evident for all to see," the release further said. The Indian government alleged that Pakistan ministers had shared stage with UN proscribed terrorists. Pakistani ministers have been sharing dais with terrorist 26/11 mastermind Hafiz Saeed. In September 2018 Pakistan's Religious Affairs and Inter-faith Minister Noor-ul-Haq Qadri shared a platform with Hafiz Saeed, with both making anti-India statements. Last year a video surfaced in which Pakistan's Minister of State for Interior Shehryar Khan Afridi had openly expressed the support of current Imran Khan administration to Hafiz Saeed and his organization. In the first week of February Hafiz Saeed carried out a massive rally in Lahore. India also rejected Pakistan's demand for an "investigation" since a there exists video of the suicide bomber declaring himself a member of the JeM. Audio-visual and print material linking JeM to the terrorist attack is present too which MEA said leaves "no doubt that the claim is firmly established." Pakistani FS also talked about constructive approach towards India which was also rejected by New Delhi. MEA said, 'What we have noticed, however, are claims to offer dialogue on the one hand, while sponsoring and sheltering terrorists and terrorist organizations such as JeM on the other." India's official stance on Pakistan has been talks and terror cant go together but talks on terror can happen. Reiterating its stance on strong action on terrorist safe havens MEA demanded "Pakistan take immediate and verifiable action against terrorists and terror groups operating from territories" Meanwhile, India on Friday briefed about Pakistan's involvement in Pulwama attack to P5 countries along with South Asian countries, Japan and Germany. On Saturday, India will be briefing ASEAN ambassadors about the incident.

Pulwama attack: India says Islamabad cannot be blind to JeM presence in its soil

China said today that it had dealt with the issue of <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/adil-ahmad-dar-the-man-who-carried-out-the-pulwama-attack-197476">Masood Azhar, the Jaish-e-Mohammed</a>&nbsp;(JeM) chief, in "an earnest, professional and responsible manner".

Just after the Pulwama attack on Thursday,<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/united-states-calls-on-pakistan-to-immediately-end-support-to-all-terrorist-groups-white-house-197523"> India's ministry of </a><a class="gr-progress" href="http://www.wionews.com/world/united-states-calls-on-pakistan-to-immediately-end-support-to-all-terrorist-groups-white-house-197523">external</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/united-states-calls-on-pakistan-to-immediately-end-support-to-all-terrorist-groups-white-house-197523"> affair </a>had called on the member of the international community to list&nbsp;JeM chief Masood Azhar under the 1267 sanctions committee of United Nation security council (UNSC).&nbsp;

The MEA had said,"We strongly reiterate our appeal to all members of the international community to support the proposal to list terrorists, including JeM Chief Masood Azhar, as a designated terrorist under the 1267 Sanctions Committee of the UN Security Council and to ban terrorist organisations operating from territories controlled by Pakistan."

China has repeatedly blocked listing of Masood Azhar as an internationally-designated terrorist under the UNSC 1267 Committee.

Today China's foreign ministry spokesperson Geng Shuang said: “As to the issue of the listing, I can tell you that 1267 committee of the Security Council has clear stipulations on the listing and the procedure of terrorist organization and individuals and the JeM which has taken the responsibility of the attack has been included on the Security Council counter-terrorism list.”

"As to the listing of the individual, we have always dealt with the issue in an earnest, professional and responsible manner," he added.

The Chinese foreign ministry said it was "deeply shocked" over the Pulwama attack and offered "condolences and sympathies to the injured and families of the bereaved."

“We are deeply shocked by this attack. We offer our condolences and sympathies to the injured and families of the bereaved. We firmly oppose and strongly condemn all form of terrorism,” Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Geng Shuang said.

“We hope all relevant regional countries will cooperate to deal with the threat of terrorism and jointly uphold the regional peace and stability,” he said.

India in February 2016 had approached the UN Security Council(UNSC) Sanctions Committee with the proposal to designate Masood Azhar under the 1267 sanction regime. While the US, UK and France backed India's bid, China continued to block it.

While condemning the attack, India's foreign ministry said, "Government of India is firmly and resolutely committed to taking all necessary measures to safeguard national security."

China said today that it had dealt with the issue of Masood Azhar, the Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) chief, in "an earnest, professional and responsible manner". Just after the Pulwama attack on Thursday, India's ministry of external affair had called on the member of the international community to list JeM chief Masood Azhar under the 1267 sanctions committee of United Nation security council (UNSC).

China said today that it had dealt with the issue of Masood Azhar, the Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) chief, in "an earnest, professional and responsible manner". Just after the Pulwama attack on Thursday, India's ministry of external affair had called on the member of the international community to list JeM chief Masood Azhar under the 1267 sanctions committee of United Nation security council (UNSC). The MEA had said,"We strongly reiterate our appeal to all members of the international community to support the proposal to list terrorists, including JeM Chief Masood Azhar, as a designated terrorist under the 1267 Sanctions Committee of the UN Security Council and to ban terrorist organisations operating from territories controlled by Pakistan." China has repeatedly blocked listing of Masood Azhar as an internationally-designated terrorist under the UNSC 1267 Committee. Today China's foreign ministry spokesperson Geng Shuang said: “As to the issue of the listing, I can tell you that 1267 committee of the Security Council has clear stipulations on the listing and the procedure of terrorist organization and individuals and the JeM which has taken the responsibility of the attack has been included on the Security Council counter-terrorism list.” "As to the listing of the individual, we have always dealt with the issue in an earnest, professional and responsible manner," he added. The Chinese foreign ministry said it was "deeply shocked" over the Pulwama attack and offered "condolences and sympathies to the injured and families of the bereaved." “We are deeply shocked by this attack. We offer our condolences and sympathies to the injured and families of the bereaved. We firmly oppose and strongly condemn all form of terrorism,” Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Geng Shuang said. “We hope all relevant regional countries will cooperate to deal with the threat of terrorism and jointly uphold the regional peace and stability,” he said. India in February 2016 had approached the UN Security Council(UNSC) Sanctions Committee with the proposal to designate Masood Azhar under the 1267 sanction regime. While the US, UK and France backed India's bid, China continued to block it. While condemning the attack, India's foreign ministry said, "Government of India is firmly and resolutely committed to taking all necessary measures to safeguard national security."

JeM included in Security Council counter-terrorism list, we have dealt with Masood Azhar issue professionally: China

A day after India proposed that UN member states should seek new ways to further the Security Council reform process, Pakistan criticised the suggestion, saying the "quest by some" nations to gain permanent seats for themselves remains the "primary stumbling block" in achieving progress.

Frustrated by the slow pace of the UN Security Council's reform process, India had called on the member states to seek new ways to engage to achieve credible progress on the issue by building on the past negotiations and not supplanting the past.

India's Permanent Representative to the UN Ambassador Syed Akbaruddin, speaking Tuesday at the informal meeting of the plenary on Intergovernmental Negotiations on increase in Security Council membership, lamented that the length of the Security Council reform process is unparalleled and in terms of inertia too, it has no peer.

He also stressed that an insurmountable 'No' should not be a response to every suggestion and there is need to look at creative pathways to forge ahead in the reform process.

"However, if despite our best efforts, credible progress evades us once again, then we should not shy away from reviewing how we engage on this very important issue," he said.&nbsp;

Making an intervention after India's speech, Lodhi said Wednesday that "we heard an assertion that given the perceived lack of progress in the IGN (Intergovernmental Negotiations), it may be time to review the entire process with a view to pronounce on its fate. This appears to us, to be an attempt by some to blame the 'storm' on the 'ship'."

Without naming India, Lodhi said that the "quest by some"&nbsp;to gain permanent seats for themselves "remains the primary stumbling block. This was clearly evident from our discussions, yesterday. Those calling for a review of the IGN process should instead review their own positions. Despite persistent differences on fundamental aspects of reform, the stubborn insistence on text-based negotiations is another attempt to artificially paper-over differences."

India has been at the forefront of efforts to call for a reform of the Security Council, saying it rightly deserves a permanent seat at the high-table.

Pakistan also blamed India and the other countries in the G4 bloc for holding up progress of the UN Security Council reform, saying the "individual ambitions" of a few member states should not stall progress in the Inter-Governmental Negotiations.

According to a press release by the Pakistan Mission to the UN, Islamabad has called for a "spirit of flexibility and compromise" in the long-running negotiations to reform the UN Security Council as "progress is held up by the insistence for permanent seats on the 15-member body by India, Brazil, Germany and Japan, known as the Group of four."

The long-pending reform process has been ongoing for several years with little concrete progress.&nbsp;

Akbaruddin had noted that it has been more than 10 years since the start of the Intergovernmental Negotiations process in 2008 and more than 25 years since a resolution was passed to establish an open-ended working group on Security Council reform.

"While the world is not what it was when we began the process, 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,"&nbsp;he said.

Lodhi added that nations should not risk undermining the painstaking progress made within the IGN, "just to advance the narrow interests of a few member states."

"After all, the reform process is not merely an end in itself; for us, it is also an expression of our abiding commitment to rules-based multilateralism.

Akbaruddin had also voiced India's support for the call to reflect the Common African Position in any document under consideration, stressing that Africa's voice cannot be excluded and the desire of Small Island Developing States for a non-permanent seat on account of their situation should not be ignored.

"Everyone has a right to put forth an option and lend their name to a model of their choice. This enhances transparency, adds specificity and engenders respect for every position. No voices should be muffled,"&nbsp;he said.

Lodhi said that there have been calls to attribute proposals to their proponents, ostensibly in the interest of transparency.&nbsp;

"Tellingly, some of these calls have been made by those whose own identity remains in the realm of the unknown. Apparently, they consider themselves excluded from the same standards of transparency that they expect of others,"&nbsp;she said.&nbsp;

A day after India proposed that UN member states should seek new ways to further the Security Council reform process, Pakistan criticised the suggestion, saying the "quest by some" nations to gain permanent seats for themselves remains the "primary stumbling block" in achieving progress.

A day after India proposed that UN member states should seek new ways to further the Security Council reform process, Pakistan criticised the suggestion, saying the "quest by some" nations to gain permanent seats for themselves remains the "primary stumbling block" in achieving progress. Frustrated by the slow pace of the UN Security Council's reform process, India had called on the member states to seek new ways to engage to achieve credible progress on the issue by building on the past negotiations and not supplanting the past. India's Permanent Representative to the UN Ambassador Syed Akbaruddin, speaking Tuesday at the informal meeting of the plenary on Intergovernmental Negotiations on increase in Security Council membership, lamented that the length of the Security Council reform process is unparalleled and in terms of inertia too, it has no peer. He also stressed that an insurmountable 'No' should not be a response to every suggestion and there is need to look at creative pathways to forge ahead in the reform process. "However, if despite our best efforts, credible progress evades us once again, then we should not shy away from reviewing how we engage on this very important issue," he said. Making an intervention after India's speech, Lodhi said Wednesday that "we heard an assertion that given the perceived lack of progress in the IGN (Intergovernmental Negotiations), it may be time to review the entire process with a view to pronounce on its fate. This appears to us, to be an attempt by some to blame the 'storm' on the 'ship'." Without naming India, Lodhi said that the "quest by some" to gain permanent seats for themselves "remains the primary stumbling block. This was clearly evident from our discussions, yesterday. Those calling for a review of the IGN process should instead review their own positions. Despite persistent differences on fundamental aspects of reform, the stubborn insistence on text-based negotiations is another attempt to artificially paper-over differences." India has been at the forefront of efforts to call for a reform of the Security Council, saying it rightly deserves a permanent seat at the high-table. Pakistan also blamed India and the other countries in the G4 bloc for holding up progress of the UN Security Council reform, saying the "individual ambitions" of a few member states should not stall progress in the Inter-Governmental Negotiations. According to a press release by the Pakistan Mission to the UN, Islamabad has called for a "spirit of flexibility and compromise" in the long-running negotiations to reform the UN Security Council as "progress is held up by the insistence for permanent seats on the 15-member body by India, Brazil, Germany and Japan, known as the Group of four." The long-pending reform process has been ongoing for several years with little concrete progress. Akbaruddin had noted that it has been more than 10 years since the start of the Intergovernmental Negotiations process in 2008 and more than 25 years since a resolution was passed to establish an open-ended working group on Security Council reform. "While the world is not what it was when we began the process, 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 said. Lodhi added that nations should not risk undermining the painstaking progress made within the IGN, "just to advance the narrow interests of a few member states." "After all, the reform process is not merely an end in itself; for us, it is also an expression of our abiding commitment to rules-based multilateralism. Akbaruddin had also voiced India's support for the call to reflect the Common African Position in any document under consideration, stressing that Africa's voice cannot be excluded and the desire of Small Island Developing States for a non-permanent seat on account of their situation should not be ignored. "Everyone has a right to put forth an option and lend their name to a model of their choice. This enhances transparency, adds specificity and engenders respect for every position. No voices should be muffled," he said. Lodhi said that there have been calls to attribute proposals to their proponents, ostensibly in the interest of transparency. "Tellingly, some of these calls have been made by those whose own identity remains in the realm of the unknown. Apparently, they consider themselves excluded from the same standards of transparency that they expect of others," she said.

Pakistan criticises India's bid for UNSC permanent seat

India has expressed its dissatisfaction at the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/russia-reiterates-support-for-indias-permanent-seat-in-unsc-169725">pace of reforms at the United Nations</a> Security Council.

Speaking at an informal meeting of the plenary on the Intergovernmental Negotiations on the increase in the membership of the Security Council at the &nbsp;United Nations General Assembly, India's permanent representative Syed Akbaruddin said,"Reform, we all know, at the UN is a process rather than an event. However, there is no process known to us here that has traversed winding pathways in the manner as this process of the Reform of the Security Council".

He added, "in terms of length, it is unparalleled. In terms of inertia too, it has no peer".

This is not for the first time India has expressed its dissatisfaction at the snail pace of reforms at the world body. India has been working with countries like the G-4 (India, Japan, Brazil and Germany) and L.69 (made up of cross-regional developing countries) to form a consensus for reforms. A large number of countries have supported India's bid for a place at the expanded <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/trump-admin-reiterates-support-indias-role-reformed-unsc-168377">UNSC including Russia and US</a>.&nbsp;

New Delhi also backed African representation at the UNSC. Syed said,"We vociferously support the call for the reflection of the Common African Position, as specified in the Ezulwini Consensus and Sirte Declaration, in any document under consideration. It is a call to address a long-standing injustice. Africa’s voice cannot be excluded."

Ezulwini Consensus calls for a more democratic UNSC while Sirte Declaration says 2 permanent and 2 non-permanent seats of UNSC should go to Africa. It has been more than ten years since the start of the inter-government negotiation process on the reforms in 2008.&nbsp;

India has already put up its candidacy for the non-permanent seat at UNSC for the term of 2021-2022 which minister of state in the ministry of external affairs General VK Singh in the parliament said will "significantly strengthened India’s claim to permanent membership."

There is another group at the United Nation known as "Uniting for Consensus" (UfC) that has been calling only for the expansion in non-permanent seats at UNSC and has opposed any expansion beyond the current five permanent members of UNSC. Members of the grouping are Argentina, Canada, Colombia, Costa Rica, Italy, Malta, Mexico, Pakistan, Republic of Korea, San Marino, Spain and Turkey.

India has expressed its dissatisfaction at the pace of reforms at the United Nations Security Council. Speaking at an informal meeting of the plenary on the Intergovernmental Negotiations on the increase in the membership of the Security Council at the United Nations General Assembly, India's permanent representative Syed Akbaruddin said,"Reform, we all know, at the UN is a process rather than an event.

India has expressed its dissatisfaction at the pace of reforms at the United Nations Security Council. Speaking at an informal meeting of the plenary on the Intergovernmental Negotiations on the increase in the membership of the Security Council at the United Nations General Assembly, India's permanent representative Syed Akbaruddin said,"Reform, we all know, at the UN is a process rather than an event. However, there is no process known to us here that has traversed winding pathways in the manner as this process of the Reform of the Security Council". He added, "in terms of length, it is unparalleled. In terms of inertia too, it has no peer". This is not for the first time India has expressed its dissatisfaction at the snail pace of reforms at the world body. India has been working with countries like the G-4 (India, Japan, Brazil and Germany) and L.69 (made up of cross-regional developing countries) to form a consensus for reforms. A large number of countries have supported India's bid for a place at the expanded UNSC including Russia and US. New Delhi also backed African representation at the UNSC. Syed said,"We vociferously support the call for the reflection of the Common African Position, as specified in the Ezulwini Consensus and Sirte Declaration, in any document under consideration. It is a call to address a long-standing injustice. Africa’s voice cannot be excluded." Ezulwini Consensus calls for a more democratic UNSC while Sirte Declaration says 2 permanent and 2 non-permanent seats of UNSC should go to Africa. It has been more than ten years since the start of the inter-government negotiation process on the reforms in 2008. India has already put up its candidacy for the non-permanent seat at UNSC for the term of 2021-2022 which minister of state in the ministry of external affairs General VK Singh in the parliament said will "significantly strengthened India’s claim to permanent membership." There is another group at the United Nation known as "Uniting for Consensus" (UfC) that has been calling only for the expansion in non-permanent seats at UNSC and has opposed any expansion beyond the current five permanent members of UNSC. Members of the grouping are Argentina, Canada, Colombia, Costa Rica, Italy, Malta, Mexico, Pakistan, Republic of Korea, San Marino, Spain and Turkey.

India expresses dissatisfaction with pace of reforms at UNSC

Hafiz Saeed's lawyer has told a Pakistan court that the presidential order on banning the Jamaatud Dawa (JuD) and Falah-i-Insaniyat Foundation (FIF) has lapsed placing it outside the list of banned outfits.

Pakistan's National Counter Terrorism Authority has said JuD &amp; FIF are "organisations under watch".

The Imran Khan-led Pakistan government will have to get a new ordinance made since the ordinance expires in 120 days. It can be renewed for another 120 days and then will have either to be made law or scrapped.

There are 66 organisations including FiF and JuD which are not banned anymore under the new circumstances.

On February 10th, during the tenure of interim Pakistan government, ex-president Hussain had promulgated an ordinance to amend the Anti-Terrorism Act, 1997 to place JuD and FIF in the act, however, Saeed's counsel informed that PM Imran's government had not extended the ordinance nor tabled it in Parliament to convert it into an act.

India blames Hafiz Saeed for masterminding the Mumbai terror attacks in 2008. The United Nations Security Council had designated JuD as a terrorist organisation under resolution 1267 after the Mumbai attacks and it was banned by the Pakistan government in 2012.

In 2014, the US administration had added JuD in the global terrorist organisations' list.

Saeed lawyer told the Islamabad High Court that the ordinance was against the sovereignty and Constitution of Pakistan.

The government had taken over nearly 184 buildings, schools and hospitals belonging to the JuD and FIF after the presidential ordinance was signed. The government had also frozen the bank accounts of the two organisations.

The JuD had decided to launch a legal challenge against the ordinance.

The US, since 2012, has offered a $10 million reward for information leading to the arrest of Hafiz Saeed.

Hafiz Saeed's lawyer has told a Pakistan court that the presidential order on banning the Jamaatud Dawa (JuD) and Falah-i-Insaniyat Foundation (FIF) has lapsed placing it outside the list of banned outfits.

Hafiz Saeed's lawyer has told a Pakistan court that the presidential order on banning the Jamaatud Dawa (JuD) and Falah-i-Insaniyat Foundation (FIF) has lapsed placing it outside the list of banned outfits. Pakistan's National Counter Terrorism Authority has said JuD & FIF are "organisations under watch". The Imran Khan-led Pakistan government will have to get a new ordinance made since the ordinance expires in 120 days. It can be renewed for another 120 days and then will have either to be made law or scrapped. There are 66 organisations including FiF and JuD which are not banned anymore under the new circumstances. On February 10th, during the tenure of interim Pakistan government, ex-president Hussain had promulgated an ordinance to amend the Anti-Terrorism Act, 1997 to place JuD and FIF in the act, however, Saeed's counsel informed that PM Imran's government had not extended the ordinance nor tabled it in Parliament to convert it into an act. India blames Hafiz Saeed for masterminding the Mumbai terror attacks in 2008. The United Nations Security Council had designated JuD as a terrorist organisation under resolution 1267 after the Mumbai attacks and it was banned by the Pakistan government in 2012. In 2014, the US administration had added JuD in the global terrorist organisations' list. Saeed lawyer told the Islamabad High Court that the ordinance was against the sovereignty and Constitution of Pakistan. The government had taken over nearly 184 buildings, schools and hospitals belonging to the JuD and FIF after the presidential ordinance was signed. The government had also frozen the bank accounts of the two organisations. The JuD had decided to launch a legal challenge against the ordinance. The US, since 2012, has offered a $10 million reward for information leading to the arrest of Hafiz Saeed.

Hafiz Saeed's JuD no longer in banned list, Pak terror authority places outfit under 'watch list'

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/backing-from-senators-puts-kavanaugh-on-track-for-us-supreme-court-169715">Backing from senators puts Trump nominee Brett Kavanaugh on track for US Supreme Court</a>

President Donald Trump's nominee, Brett Kavanaugh, looked headed for a lifetime job on the US Supreme Court on Friday after two crucial senators said that sexual misconduct accusations against the judge would not prevent them from voting to confirm him.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-to-keep-buying-iranian-oil-despite-us-sanctions-sources-169718">India to keep buying oil from Iran despite US sanctions: Sources</a>

India will buy 9 million barrels of Iranian oil in November, two industry sources said, indicating the world's third-biggest oil importer will continue purchasing crude from the Islamic republic despite US sanctions coming into force on November 4.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/in-divided-un-china-quietly-blazes-path-to-power-169721">In divided UN, China quietly blazes </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/in-divided-un-china-quietly-blazes-path-to-power-169721">path</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/in-divided-un-china-quietly-blazes-path-to-power-169721"> to power</a>

Criticised by the White House for&nbsp;alleged interference in US politics, China has quietly blazed a path at the United Nations where it is, little by little, becoming one of the most influential members.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-economy-booms-as-elections-near-but-who-gets-credit-169720">US economy booms as elections near, but who gets credit?</a>

Forecasts point to solid chances that Democrats could wrest control of the House of Representatives away from Republicans, drastically shifting the political landscape in Washington.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/in-joint-statement-russia-reaffirms-unwavering-support-to-india-for-unsc-seat-169714">In </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/in-joint-statement-russia-reaffirms-unwavering-support-to-india-for-unsc-seat-169714">joint</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/in-joint-statement-russia-reaffirms-unwavering-support-to-india-for-unsc-seat-169714"> statement, Russia reaffirms 'unwavering support' to India for UNSC seat</a>

Russia reaffirmed its "unwavering support" to India for a permanent seat in an expanded UN Security Council as both nations called for reform of the powerful UN organ to better reflect the current world order and make it more effective in dealing with emerging global challenges. 
&nbsp;

Backing from senators puts Trump nominee Brett Kavanaugh on track for US Supreme Court President Donald Trump's nominee, Brett Kavanaugh, looked headed for a lifetime job on the US Supreme Court on Friday after two crucial senators said that sexual misconduct accusations against the judge would not prevent them from voting to confirm him.

Backing from senators puts Trump nominee Brett Kavanaugh on track for US Supreme Court President Donald Trump's nominee, Brett Kavanaugh, looked headed for a lifetime job on the US Supreme Court on Friday after two crucial senators said that sexual misconduct accusations against the judge would not prevent them from voting to confirm him. India to keep buying oil from Iran despite US sanctions: Sources India will buy 9 million barrels of Iranian oil in November, two industry sources said, indicating the world's third-biggest oil importer will continue purchasing crude from the Islamic republic despite US sanctions coming into force on November 4. In divided UN, China quietly blazes path to power Criticised by the White House for alleged interference in US politics, China has quietly blazed a path at the United Nations where it is, little by little, becoming one of the most influential members. US economy booms as elections near, but who gets credit? Forecasts point to solid chances that Democrats could wrest control of the House of Representatives away from Republicans, drastically shifting the political landscape in Washington. In joint statement, Russia reaffirms 'unwavering support' to India for UNSC seat Russia reaffirmed its "unwavering support" to India for a permanent seat in an expanded UN Security Council as both nations called for reform of the powerful UN organ to better reflect the current world order and make it more effective in dealing with emerging global challenges.

News brief: Big stories of the day

The Trump administration has reiterated its support for India's bid for a permanent seat on a reformed UN Security Council, a senior US official said, emphasizing that the two "global partners" share a commitment to work together on global challenges like denuclearisation of the Korean peninsula.

Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for the Bureau of South and Central Asia Region Alice Wells said US Undersecretary of State for Political Affairs David Hale met Indian Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale at the beginning of the week of the 73rd Session of the UN General Assembly to build on the momentum of the first 2+2 meeting between the US and India in New Delhi as well as to reaffirm the strategic convergence that Washington sees in the bilateral ties.

"We really are global partners and the meeting (between Hale and Gokhale) reaffirmed our shared commitment to working together on international challenges - from a denuclearised Korean Peninsula to a peaceful and prosperous Afghanistan," Wells told reporters Friday during a briefing on US priorities in the South and Central Asia Region.

The American diplomat said the US reiterates its support for India's role in a reformed UN Security Council.

The New York meeting was a continuation of the discussion at the 2+2 meeting.

"It's a conversation that really covers the map in terms of how we can work together in Afghanistan, what we are doing to promote free and open Indo-Pacific and also in particular, how we are both very supportive of the democratic developments that we see transpiring in the Maldives," she said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has called Maldives' President-elect Ibrahim Mohamed Solih and congratulated him.

The US too congratulated the people of Maldives, saying they had peacefully raised their voices to determine the future of their country.

During Modi's visit to Washington in June last year, Trump supported India's bid for a permanent seat in a reformed UNSC and in other multilateral institutions such as the Nuclear Suppliers Group.

"As global non-proliferation partners, the United States expressed strong support for India's early membership in the Nuclear Suppliers Group, the Wassenaar Arrangement, and the Australia Group," a joint statement issued after the meeting between Modi and Trump had said.

The Trump administration has reiterated its support for India's bid for a permanent seat on a reformed UN Security Council, a senior US official said, emphasizing that the two "global partners" share a commitment to work together on global challenges like denuclearisation of the Korean peninsula.

The Trump administration has reiterated its support for India's bid for a permanent seat on a reformed UN Security Council, a senior US official said, emphasizing that the two "global partners" share a commitment to work together on global challenges like denuclearisation of the Korean peninsula. Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for the Bureau of South and Central Asia Region Alice Wells said US Undersecretary of State for Political Affairs David Hale met Indian Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale at the beginning of the week of the 73rd Session of the UN General Assembly to build on the momentum of the first 2+2 meeting between the US and India in New Delhi as well as to reaffirm the strategic convergence that Washington sees in the bilateral ties. "We really are global partners and the meeting (between Hale and Gokhale) reaffirmed our shared commitment to working together on international challenges - from a denuclearised Korean Peninsula to a peaceful and prosperous Afghanistan," Wells told reporters Friday during a briefing on US priorities in the South and Central Asia Region. The American diplomat said the US reiterates its support for India's role in a reformed UN Security Council. The New York meeting was a continuation of the discussion at the 2+2 meeting. "It's a conversation that really covers the map in terms of how we can work together in Afghanistan, what we are doing to promote free and open Indo-Pacific and also in particular, how we are both very supportive of the democratic developments that we see transpiring in the Maldives," she said. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has called Maldives' President-elect Ibrahim Mohamed Solih and congratulated him. The US too congratulated the people of Maldives, saying they had peacefully raised their voices to determine the future of their country. During Modi's visit to Washington in June last year, Trump supported India's bid for a permanent seat in a reformed UNSC and in other multilateral institutions such as the Nuclear Suppliers Group. "As global non-proliferation partners, the United States expressed strong support for India's early membership in the Nuclear Suppliers Group, the Wassenaar Arrangement, and the Australia Group," a joint statement issued after the meeting between Modi and Trump had said.

Trump administration reiterates support for India's role in reformed UNSC

A day after Maldives failed to secure a permanent seat in the United Nations Security Council, losing to&nbsp;Indonesia, the government of Maldives thanked the Indian government for supporting its candidature in the UNSC.

Ambassador of Maldives to India, Ahmed Mohamed, appreciated India's support for Maldives' UNSC candidature.&nbsp;

He tweeted, "The #Maldives highly appreciates the support by #India for our #UNSC candidature. We received reassurances in writing on 7 June 2018 as well. @MDVForeign @MDVinIND".

Maldives had contested against Indonesia for a seat in the UNSC where it lost in the plenary session held at the UN headquarters in New York on Friday. Indonesia won the seat after securing 144 votes against 46 for the Maldives.

The Ministry of External Affairs has, however, not clarified on whether India voted for Maldives or Indonesia. Quoting the MEA a media reported that the ministry never reveals such vote to the public.

The UNSC is one of the six principal organs of the United Nations majorly responsible for maintaining international peace and security.&nbsp;

Ambassador of Maldives to India, Ahmed Mohamed, has appreciated India's support for Maldives' UNSC candidature. He tweeted, "The #Maldives highly appreciates the support by #India for our #UNSC candidature. We received reassurances in writing on 7 June 2018 as well. @MDVForeign @MDVinIND"

A day after Maldives failed to secure a permanent seat in the United Nations Security Council, losing to Indonesia, the government of Maldives thanked the Indian government for supporting its candidature in the UNSC. Ambassador of Maldives to India, Ahmed Mohamed, appreciated India's support for Maldives' UNSC candidature. He tweeted, "The #Maldives highly appreciates the support by #India for our #UNSC candidature. We received reassurances in writing on 7 June 2018 as well. @MDVForeign @MDVinIND". Maldives had contested against Indonesia for a seat in the UNSC where it lost in the plenary session held at the UN headquarters in New York on Friday. Indonesia won the seat after securing 144 votes against 46 for the Maldives. The Ministry of External Affairs has, however, not clarified on whether India voted for Maldives or Indonesia. Quoting the MEA a media reported that the ministry never reveals such vote to the public. The UNSC is one of the six principal organs of the United Nations majorly responsible for maintaining international peace and security.

Despite losing UNSC bid, Maldives govt thanks India for support

<a href="http://wionews.com/world/-europeans-nations-unanimously-oppose-president-trumps-call-to-admit-russia-into-g7-macron-143208">Europeans nations 'unanimously oppose' President Trump's call to admit Russia into G7: Macron</a>

As US President called G-7 countries to admit Russia, French president Emmanuel Macron said European members "unanimously oppose" Russia's entry.

<a href="http://wionews.com/world/watch-macron-may-have-put-too-much-pressure-on-trump-at-the-g7-summit-leaves-thumb-imprint--143212">Watch: Macron may have put 'too much pressure' on Trump at G7, leaves thumb imprint</a>

French President Emmanuel Macron on&nbsp<a href="http://wionews.com/world/-europeans-nations-unanimously-oppose-president-trumps-call-to-admit-russia-into-g7-macron-143208">Friday met US President Donald Trump in&nbsp</a>Canada for the continued trade talks and put pressure on the US on its decision to impose tariffs&nbspon metals imports. But, he may have put a tad bit too much, which was evidently seen by the aftermath of the handshake - which left a prominent imprint on the US Presidents hand.&nbsp

<a href="http://wionews.com/south-asia/despite-losing-unsc-seat-maldives-govt-thanks-india-for-support--143215">Despite losing UNSC seat, Maldives govt thanks India for support</a>

A day after Maldives failed to secure a permanent seat in the United Nations Security Council, losing to&nbspIndonesia, the government of Maldives thanked the Indian government for supporting its candidature in the UNSC.

<a href="http://wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-heads-to-china-for-sco-summit-143220">PM Modi heads to China for SCO Summit</a>

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday morning departed for China's Qingdao to attend the two-day long 18th Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO).

<a href="http://wionews.com/south-asia/pak-interim-pm-reviews-fatf-requirements-on-terror-financing-143210">Pak interim PM reviews FATF requirements on terror financing</a>

Pakistan's interim Prime Minister Nasir-ul-Mulk reviewed on Friday the measures taken by the country to meet the requirement of the global watchdog Financial Action Task Force over terrorism financing.

&nbsp

Europeans nations 'unanimously oppose' President Trump's call to admit Russia into G7: Macron As US President called G-7 countries to admit Russia, French president Emmanuel Macron said European members "unanimously oppose" Russia's entry. Watch: Macron may have put 'too much pressure' on Trump at G7, leaves thumb imprint French President Emmanuel Macron on Friday met US President Donald Trump in Canada for the continued trade talks and put pressure on the US on its decision to impose tariffs&nbspon metals imports. But, he may have put a tad bit too much, which was evidently seen by the aftermath of the handshake - which left a prominent imprint on the US Presidents hand. Despite losing UNSC seat, Maldives govt thanks India for support A day after Maldives failed to secure a permanent seat in the United Nations Security Council, losing to&nbspIndonesia, the government of Maldives thanked the Indian government for supporting its candidature in the UNSC. PM Modi heads to China for SCO Summit Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday morning departed for China's Qingdao to attend the two-day long 18th Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO). Pak interim PM reviews FATF requirements on terror financing Pakistan's interim Prime Minister Nasir-ul-Mulk reviewed on Friday the measures taken by the country to meet the requirement of the global watchdog Financial Action Task Force over terrorism financing.

Despite losing UNSC seat, Maldives govt thanks India for support

Pope Francis on Sunday deplored 'rivers of blood and tears' in Ukraine and rejected Russia's assertion that it was just "a special military operation"

"In Ukraine rivers of blood and tears are flowing. This is not only a military operation but a war which sows death, destruction and misery," the pope said in his weekly address to crowds gathered in St. Peter's Square.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/3000-americans-volunteer-to-fight-invading-russian-forces-in-ukraine-says-report-459533">3,000 Americans volunteer to fight invading Russian forces in Ukraine, says report</a>

However, as has been the case throughout the 11-day conflict, Francis did not publicly condemn Russia by name for its invasion.

Instead, he repeated his appeal for peace, the creation of humanitarian corridors and a return to negotiations.

"In that martyred country the need for humanitarian assistance is growing by the hour," the pope said, speaking from a window overlooking the square. "Let common sense prevail, let us return to the respect of international law."

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/this-will-be-a-war-crime-ukraine-warns-russia-preparing-to-shell-port-city-odessa-459585">'This will be a war crime': Ukraine warns Russia preparing to shell port city Odessa</a>

There were many more people than normal gathered infront of St. Peter's Basilica for the pope's Sunday appearance, with some holding aloft multi-coloured peace flags as well as the blue and yellow flag of Ukraine.

"The Holy See is willing to do all everything to put itself at the service of peace," the pope said, adding that two Roman Catholic cardinals had gone to Ukraine to help those in need.

"War is madness, please stop," the pope said.

(With inputs from agencies)

Pakistan's ambassador to UN said, 'The Council needs to be more consistent and unbiased in its actions. Selectivity in the implementation of its resolutions and decisions, especially on long-standing disputes, notably Jammu and Kashmir and Palestine must end. There can, after all, be no peace without justice'

Pope Francis on Sunday deplored 'rivers of blood and tears' in Ukraine and rejected Russia's assertion that it was just "a special military operation" "In Ukraine rivers of blood and tears are flowing. This is not only a military operation but a war which sows death, destruction and misery," the pope said in his weekly address to crowds gathered in St. Peter's Square. Also Read | 3,000 Americans volunteer to fight invading Russian forces in Ukraine, says report However, as has been the case throughout the 11-day conflict, Francis did not publicly condemn Russia by name for its invasion. Instead, he repeated his appeal for peace, the creation of humanitarian corridors and a return to negotiations. "In that martyred country the need for humanitarian assistance is growing by the hour," the pope said, speaking from a window overlooking the square. "Let common sense prevail, let us return to the respect of international law." Also Read | 'This will be a war crime': Ukraine warns Russia preparing to shell port city Odessa There were many more people than normal gathered infront of St. Peter's Basilica for the pope's Sunday appearance, with some holding aloft multi-coloured peace flags as well as the blue and yellow flag of Ukraine. "The Holy See is willing to do all everything to put itself at the service of peace," the pope said, adding that two Roman Catholic cardinals had gone to Ukraine to help those in need. "War is madness, please stop," the pope said. (With inputs from agencies)

Long-standing disputes like Kashmir should be resolved: Pakistan's Ambassador to UN

Israel has withdrawn from a race for a seat on the UN Security Council as a non-permanent member. According to a press statement by the Israeli mission to the United Nations, the State of Israel decided to postpone its candidacy for a seat on the UNSC after consulting its "partners and good friends".

"It was decided that we will continue to act with our allies to allow for Israel to realize its right for full participation and inclusion in decision-making processes at the UN," a Xinhua report quoted the statement.

The move will enable Belgium and Germany secure spots on the Security Council's elected seats reserved for Western Europe and other regions. Both the countries will still need to secure at least two-thirds of votes at the General Assembly elections next month.

If elected, Belgium and Germany will replace Netherlands and Sweden as UNSC non-permanent members.&nbsp;

United Nations' Security Council has 15 members in total -- five permanent and 10 non-permanent. The non-permanent members are elected by the General Assembly for two-year terms, five non-permanent members nations are replaced every year.

China, France, Russia, the UK, the United States are the permanent member nations on the UNSC. Bolivia, Côte d’Ivoire, Equatorial Guinea, Ethiopia, Kazakhstan, Kuwait, Netherlands, Peru, Poland, Sweden are the non-permanent members of the Council at present.&nbsp;

The move will enable Belgium and Germany secure spots on the Security Council's elected seats reserved for Western Europe and other regions

Israel has withdrawn from a race for a seat on the UN Security Council as a non-permanent member. According to a press statement by the Israeli mission to the United Nations, the State of Israel decided to postpone its candidacy for a seat on the UNSC after consulting its "partners and good friends". "It was decided that we will continue to act with our allies to allow for Israel to realize its right for full participation and inclusion in decision-making processes at the UN," a Xinhua report quoted the statement. The move will enable Belgium and Germany secure spots on the Security Council's elected seats reserved for Western Europe and other regions. Both the countries will still need to secure at least two-thirds of votes at the General Assembly elections next month. If elected, Belgium and Germany will replace Netherlands and Sweden as UNSC non-permanent members. United Nations' Security Council has 15 members in total -- five permanent and 10 non-permanent. The non-permanent members are elected by the General Assembly for two-year terms, five non-permanent members nations are replaced every year. China, France, Russia, the UK, the United States are the permanent member nations on the UNSC. Bolivia, Côte d’Ivoire, Equatorial Guinea, Ethiopia, Kazakhstan, Kuwait, Netherlands, Peru, Poland, Sweden are the non-permanent members of the Council at present.

Israel pulls out of race for UN Security Council

The United Nations Security Council members, who met Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and Myanmar State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi during their mission to Bangladesh and Myanmar, will today visit Rakhine state, the epicentre of the Rohingya refugee crisis.

The council is continuing its mission to Bangladesh and Myanmar, taking a first-hand look at the plight of hundreds of thousands of Rohingya refugees who have fled across the border to escape violence.

The delegation of diplomats from the council's 15 member countries arrived yesterday in Myanmar's capital, Naypyidaw, holding meetings with Suu Kyi as well as Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces General Min Aung Hlaing, UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric told reporters here. The council mission also met with civil society, parliamentarians and government representatives in the capital of Myanmar.&nbsp

"Ambassadors also met with civil society, parliamentarians and government representatives. The council members will today fly to Rakhine state, the epicentre of the mass displacement crisis, which has been caused by a recurring cycle of clashes between mainly Buddhist residents in the state, and Rohingya Muslims who have also lived there for decades," the spokesperson said.

In Rakhine, the delegation is expected to meet local government representatives and civil society.&nbsp

According to the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), about 671,000 Rohingya refugees have fled targeted violence and serious human rights violations in Myanmar since last August.

Last week, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres announced the appointment of Christine Schraner Burgener of Switzerland as his new special envoy on Myanmar, to strengthen the world body's efforts to assist Myanmar's peace and reconciliation process.&nbsp

The UN spokesperson added that over the weekend, the Council delegation visited Bangladesh's Cox's Bazar, where they listened to testimony from refugees at the Kutupalong Camp. Before departing for Myanmar early on Monday, the delegation met with Hasina in Dhaka.

The council is continuing its mission to Bangladesh and Myanmar, taking a first-hand look at the plight of hundreds of thousands of Rohingyas

The United Nations Security Council members, who met Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and Myanmar State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi during their mission to Bangladesh and Myanmar, will today visit Rakhine state, the epicentre of the Rohingya refugee crisis. The council is continuing its mission to Bangladesh and Myanmar, taking a first-hand look at the plight of hundreds of thousands of Rohingya refugees who have fled across the border to escape violence. The delegation of diplomats from the council's 15 member countries arrived yesterday in Myanmar's capital, Naypyidaw, holding meetings with Suu Kyi as well as Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces General Min Aung Hlaing, UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric told reporters here. The council mission also met with civil society, parliamentarians and government representatives in the capital of Myanmar. "Ambassadors also met with civil society, parliamentarians and government representatives. The council members will today fly to Rakhine state, the epicentre of the mass displacement crisis, which has been caused by a recurring cycle of clashes between mainly Buddhist residents in the state, and Rohingya Muslims who have also lived there for decades," the spokesperson said. In Rakhine, the delegation is expected to meet local government representatives and civil society. According to the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), about 671,000 Rohingya refugees have fled targeted violence and serious human rights violations in Myanmar since last August. Last week, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres announced the appointment of Christine Schraner Burgener of Switzerland as his new special envoy on Myanmar, to strengthen the world body's efforts to assist Myanmar's peace and reconciliation process. The UN spokesperson added that over the weekend, the Council delegation visited Bangladesh's Cox's Bazar, where they listened to testimony from refugees at the Kutupalong Camp. Before departing for Myanmar early on Monday, the delegation met with Hasina in Dhaka.

UNSC members to visit Rakhine state today

A Russian bid for the United Nations Security Council to condemn US, British and French air strikes on Syria over a suspected chemical weapons attack failed on Saturday (April 14). Only China and Bolivia joined Russia to vote in favor of a draft resolution.

The United States, France and Britain defended their military action as legal during the Security Council meeting.

At Russia's request, the 15-member council met on Saturday, the fifth time it has met on Syria since a suspected deadly toxic gas attack in the Syrian town of Douma a week ago.&nbsp;

The United States, France and Britain fired over 100 missiles overnight in retaliation, targeting Syria's facilities and chemical weapons program.

Russia and Syria have said there was no evidence of a chemical weapons attack.

International investigators from the global chemical weapons watchdog are in Syria and were due to start their inquiry on Saturday into the suspected toxic gas attack.&nbsp;

The United States, France and Britain defended their military action as legal during the Security Council meeting

A Russian bid for the United Nations Security Council to condemn US, British and French air strikes on Syria over a suspected chemical weapons attack failed on Saturday (April 14). Only China and Bolivia joined Russia to vote in favor of a draft resolution. The United States, France and Britain defended their military action as legal during the Security Council meeting. At Russia's request, the 15-member council met on Saturday, the fifth time it has met on Syria since a suspected deadly toxic gas attack in the Syrian town of Douma a week ago. The United States, France and Britain fired over 100 missiles overnight in retaliation, targeting Syria's facilities and chemical weapons program. Russia and Syria have said there was no evidence of a chemical weapons attack. International investigators from the global chemical weapons watchdog are in Syria and were due to start their inquiry on Saturday into the suspected toxic gas attack.

Russia fails in UNSC bid to condemn US-led strikes on Syria

The UN Security Council (UNSC) is likely to visit Myanmar and Bangladesh later this month to take stock of the ongoing Rohingya crisis.

The Myanmar government has welcomed UNSC's visit and is in the process of finalising the details of the visit.

The Council's will aim at visiting the tension-gripped Rakhine state. UN officials will also visit Bangladesh's Cox Bazaar where a majority of Rohingya refugees have taken shelter.

The UN described the Rohingyas fleeing -- triggered by widespread attacks -- as "ethnic cleansing."

UNSC has been grappling with internal divisions in its stance on the crisis due to which the council has not been able to take any decisive action. UNSC officials will also visit Iraq this month.

The Council will aim at visiting the tension-gripped Rakhine state

The UN Security Council (UNSC) is likely to visit Myanmar and Bangladesh later this month to take stock of the ongoing Rohingya crisis. The Myanmar government has welcomed UNSC's visit and is in the process of finalising the details of the visit. The Council's will aim at visiting the tension-gripped Rakhine state. UN officials will also visit Bangladesh's Cox Bazaar where a majority of Rohingya refugees have taken shelter. The UN described the Rohingyas fleeing -- triggered by widespread attacks -- as "ethnic cleansing." UNSC has been grappling with internal divisions in its stance on the crisis due to which the council has not been able to take any decisive action. UNSC officials will also visit Iraq this month.

Rohingya crisis: UN Security Council to visit Myanmar, Bangladesh this month

The United States today blocked a draft UN Security Council statement urging restraint and calling for an investigation of clashes on the Gaza-Israel border that left 16 dead, diplomats said.

Clashes erupted as tens of thousands of Gazans protested near the border on Friday, with Israeli forces using tear gas and live fire to force back smaller numbers of demonstrators who approached within a few hundred yards of the heavily fortified border fence.

In addition to the 16 Palestinians killed, more than 1,400 were wounded, 758 of them by live fire, with the remainder hurt by rubber bullets and tear gas inhalation, according to the Gazan health ministry.

Kuwait, which represents Arab countries on the council, presented the proposed statement, which called for an "independent and transparent investigation" of the violence.

The draft council statement also expressed "grave concern at the situation at the border." And it reaffirmed "the right to peaceful protest" and expressed the council's "sorrow at the loss of innocent Palestinian lives." The draft statement was circulated to the council on Friday, but on Saturday the United States raised objections and said it did not support its adoption, a Security Council diplomat told AFP.

The US mission to the United Nations did not immediately respond to a request from AFP for comment.

The proposed statement also called "for respect for international human rights law and international humanitarian law, including protection of civilians," according to the draft seen by AFP.

Council members "called upon all sides to exercise restraint and prevent a further escalation," the draft said.

The proposed statement stressed the need to promote peace between Israel and the Palestinians based on a two-state solution.&nbsp

The proposed statement stressed the need to promote peace between Israel and the Palestinians based on a two-state solution

The United States today blocked a draft UN Security Council statement urging restraint and calling for an investigation of clashes on the Gaza-Israel border that left 16 dead, diplomats said. Clashes erupted as tens of thousands of Gazans protested near the border on Friday, with Israeli forces using tear gas and live fire to force back smaller numbers of demonstrators who approached within a few hundred yards of the heavily fortified border fence. In addition to the 16 Palestinians killed, more than 1,400 were wounded, 758 of them by live fire, with the remainder hurt by rubber bullets and tear gas inhalation, according to the Gazan health ministry. Kuwait, which represents Arab countries on the council, presented the proposed statement, which called for an "independent and transparent investigation" of the violence. The draft council statement also expressed "grave concern at the situation at the border." And it reaffirmed "the right to peaceful protest" and expressed the council's "sorrow at the loss of innocent Palestinian lives." The draft statement was circulated to the council on Friday, but on Saturday the United States raised objections and said it did not support its adoption, a Security Council diplomat told AFP. The US mission to the United Nations did not immediately respond to a request from AFP for comment. The proposed statement also called "for respect for international human rights law and international humanitarian law, including protection of civilians," according to the draft seen by AFP. Council members "called upon all sides to exercise restraint and prevent a further escalation," the draft said. The proposed statement stressed the need to promote peace between Israel and the Palestinians based on a two-state solution.

US blocks UN Security Council statement on Gaza violence

The UN Security Council heard fears of a further escalation in Israeli-Palestinian violence in the Gaza Strip during emergency talks Friday despite a failure to agree a joint statement on deadly clashes.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres also called for an "independent and transparent investigation" and reaffirmed "the readiness" of the world body to revitalize peace efforts, a spokesperson said.

Kuwait requested the meeting to discuss the unraveling situation in Gaza, where Palestinians said Israeli fire killed 16 people in the conflict's deadliest single day since the 2014 Gaza war.

"There is fear that the situation might deteriorate in the coming days," said assistant UN secretary general for political affairs, Taye-Brook Zerihoun, urging maximum restraint.

Britain and the United States expressed regret that the timing of the meeting -- the first night of Passover -- meant Israeli officials could not attend. Leading ambassadors sent deputies in their place.

"It's vital that this Council be balanced in its approach," a US diplomat told the meeting. "We should have found an arrangement for all parties to participate tonight," he added.

"We are deeply saddened by the loss of life today," the diplomat added. "Bad actors who use protests as a cover to incite violence endanger innocent lives," he added.&nbsp

"The risk of escalation is very real," the French representative said. "There is the possibility of a new conflict in the Gaza Strip."

In a written statement before the meeting, Israel's ambassador to the United Nations, Danny Danon, blamed Hamas for the violence.

The violence broke out as tens of thousands of Gazans marched near the Israeli border to demand that the right of return for Palestinian refugees who fled or were expelled since the creation of Israel.

Israeli troops used tear gas and live fire to force back Palestinians who approached the heavily fortified border fence.&nbsp

Israeli tank fire and an air strike also targeted three Hamas sites in the Gaza Strip after what the military said was an attempted shooting attack against soldiers along the border that caused no injuries.

The health ministry in Gaza said 16 Palestinians were killed by Israeli forces and more than 1,400 were injured, including 758 by live fire, with the remainder hurt by rubber bullets and tear gas.

Palestinians accused Israel of using disproportionate force. The Israeli military said the protests were used as cover by militants to either break through the border or carry out attacks.&nbsp

The health ministry in Gaza said 16 Palestinians were killed by Israeli forces and more than 1,400 were injured

The UN Security Council heard fears of a further escalation in Israeli-Palestinian violence in the Gaza Strip during emergency talks Friday despite a failure to agree a joint statement on deadly clashes. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres also called for an "independent and transparent investigation" and reaffirmed "the readiness" of the world body to revitalize peace efforts, a spokesperson said. Kuwait requested the meeting to discuss the unraveling situation in Gaza, where Palestinians said Israeli fire killed 16 people in the conflict's deadliest single day since the 2014 Gaza war. "There is fear that the situation might deteriorate in the coming days," said assistant UN secretary general for political affairs, Taye-Brook Zerihoun, urging maximum restraint. Britain and the United States expressed regret that the timing of the meeting -- the first night of Passover -- meant Israeli officials could not attend. Leading ambassadors sent deputies in their place. "It's vital that this Council be balanced in its approach," a US diplomat told the meeting. "We should have found an arrangement for all parties to participate tonight," he added. "We are deeply saddened by the loss of life today," the diplomat added. "Bad actors who use protests as a cover to incite violence endanger innocent lives," he added. "The risk of escalation is very real," the French representative said. "There is the possibility of a new conflict in the Gaza Strip." In a written statement before the meeting, Israel's ambassador to the United Nations, Danny Danon, blamed Hamas for the violence. The violence broke out as tens of thousands of Gazans marched near the Israeli border to demand that the right of return for Palestinian refugees who fled or were expelled since the creation of Israel. Israeli troops used tear gas and live fire to force back Palestinians who approached the heavily fortified border fence. Israeli tank fire and an air strike also targeted three Hamas sites in the Gaza Strip after what the military said was an attempted shooting attack against soldiers along the border that caused no injuries. The health ministry in Gaza said 16 Palestinians were killed by Israeli forces and more than 1,400 were injured, including 758 by live fire, with the remainder hurt by rubber bullets and tear gas. Palestinians accused Israel of using disproportionate force. The Israeli military said the protests were used as cover by militants to either break through the border or carry out attacks.

UN Security Council hears Gaza restraint calls

Even as the Trump administration gets ready to open talks with Kim&#39;s regime in May, the US has urged the United Nations Security Council(UNSC) to maintain sanctions against North Korea till it scaps its controversial nuclear weapons programme.

US National Security Advisor HR McMaster after lobbying for support on the issue at the UNSC, said: &quot;We are determined to keep up the campaign of maximum pressure until we see words match with deeds, and real progress toward denuclearization.&quot;&nbsp;

Meanwhile, US Ambassador to UN Nikki Haley praised China&#39;s effort to sustain sanctions against North Korea.

Dutch Ambassador Karel van Oosterom, who chairs the council&#39;s North Korea sanctions committee, said &quot;we have to continue implementing the sanctions as they stand.&quot;

McMaster said the Trump administration wanted to move quickly because of concerns that North Korea was steadily progressing toward major advancements in its military programs.

&quot;We may be able to pursue a diplomatic solution to the complete denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula. So we&rsquo;re determined to pursue that course,&quot; the US national security adviser said.

US Ambassador to UN Nikki Haley praised China's effort to sustain sanctions against North Korea.

Even as the Trump administration gets ready to open talks with Kim's regime in May, the US has urged the United Nations Security Council(UNSC) to maintain sanctions against North Korea till it scaps its controversial nuclear weapons programme. US National Security Advisor HR McMaster after lobbying for support on the issue at the UNSC, said: "We are determined to keep up the campaign of maximum pressure until we see words match with deeds, and real progress toward denuclearization." Meanwhile, US Ambassador to UN Nikki Haley praised China's effort to sustain sanctions against North Korea. Dutch Ambassador Karel van Oosterom, who chairs the council's North Korea sanctions committee, said "we have to continue implementing the sanctions as they stand." McMaster said the Trump administration wanted to move quickly because of concerns that North Korea was steadily progressing toward major advancements in its military programs. "We may be able to pursue a diplomatic solution to the complete denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula. So we’re determined to pursue that course," the US national security adviser said.

Determined to keep maximum pressure on North Korea over denuclearisation: US

India has supported the recent move of the unity government in Afghanistan for peace talks with the Taliban, saying the &quot;irreconcilable guns&quot; in the war-torn country need to be silenced.

At the 2nd Kabul Process Conference on February 28, Afghanistan President Ashraf Ghani called on the Taliban to participate in peace talks to &quot;save the country&quot; while offering security and incentives like passports to insurgents who take part in the negotiations.

Ghani had said a ceasefire must be agreed on and the Taliban should be declared a political group.

&quot;The Afghan Government&#39;s willingness for peace is despite the fact that armed groups have identified themselves and demonstrated to all of us that they are the irreconcilables,&quot; India&#39;s Permanent Representative to the United Nations Syed Akbaruddin told the UN Security Council during an open debate on Afghanistan.

&quot;These efforts of the Afghan government calling on the armed groups to cease violence and join the national peace and reconciliation process that would protect the rights of all the citizens, including women, children and the minorities, deserves the full support,&quot; he said yesterday.

Akbaruddin, however, said it should be clear to the armed opposition that there would be no tolerance for those who continue the violence.

&quot;Any violence needs a robust response. The irreconcilable guns need to be silenced,&quot; he said.

He said India had invested over $2 billion in Afghanistan since 2002 in reconstruction and development of the country.

&quot;A strong focus of our work has been on nearly 550 High Impact Community Development Projects which run across areas such as education, health, agriculture and irrigation, power and energy,&quot; he added.

&quot;All these have a direct bearing on the improvement of lives of all Afghans including girls and women especially so for projects in education and healthcare sectors,&quot; the top Indian diplomat said.

Welcoming the focus of the Security Council on linkages between extremism, terrorism, drug production and illegal exploitation of natural resources of Afghanistan, he said that the increase in cultivation of poppy in areas under the control of the Taliban and the outfit&#39;s involvement in virtually all aspects of the opium trade suggested that it was akin to a drug cartel.

&quot;We hope that the Council will better utilize the range of tools available to it to deal with these transnational networks of drugs, terrorism and crime,&quot; he said.

Akbaruddin said that despite the international community&#39;s efforts, those supporting the terrorists affecting Afghanistan have not been deterred.

&quot;There are still those who provide sanctuaries to support the dark agendas of terrorist organisations like the Taliban, Haqqani Network, ISIS, Al-Qaeda, LeT and JeM. Indeed the challenges posed by cross-border terrorism emanating from safe havens and sanctuaries to Afghanistan and to our region must be addressed,&quot; Akbaruddin said.

A resurgent Taliban has been blamed for much of the uptick in violence in Afghanistan since the US and NATO forces ended their combat missions in 2014.

A Taliban attacker killed over 100 people and injured more than 230 others after driving an ambulance filled with explosives into the heart of the city on January 27.

The Taliban claimed the responsibility for the attack.

A week before the ambulance attack, militants stormed a luxury hotel in Kabul, killing 22 people, including 14 foreigners.

"Any violence needs a robust response. The irreconcilable guns need to be silenced," said Syed Akbaruddin

India has supported the recent move of the unity government in Afghanistan for peace talks with the Taliban, saying the "irreconcilable guns" in the war-torn country need to be silenced. At the 2nd Kabul Process Conference on February 28, Afghanistan President Ashraf Ghani called on the Taliban to participate in peace talks to "save the country" while offering security and incentives like passports to insurgents who take part in the negotiations. Ghani had said a ceasefire must be agreed on and the Taliban should be declared a political group. "The Afghan Government's willingness for peace is despite the fact that armed groups have identified themselves and demonstrated to all of us that they are the irreconcilables," India's Permanent Representative to the United Nations Syed Akbaruddin told the UN Security Council during an open debate on Afghanistan. "These efforts of the Afghan government calling on the armed groups to cease violence and join the national peace and reconciliation process that would protect the rights of all the citizens, including women, children and the minorities, deserves the full support," he said yesterday. Akbaruddin, however, said it should be clear to the armed opposition that there would be no tolerance for those who continue the violence. "Any violence needs a robust response. The irreconcilable guns need to be silenced," he said. He said India had invested over $2 billion in Afghanistan since 2002 in reconstruction and development of the country. "A strong focus of our work has been on nearly 550 High Impact Community Development Projects which run across areas such as education, health, agriculture and irrigation, power and energy," he added. "All these have a direct bearing on the improvement of lives of all Afghans including girls and women especially so for projects in education and healthcare sectors," the top Indian diplomat said. Welcoming the focus of the Security Council on linkages between extremism, terrorism, drug production and illegal exploitation of natural resources of Afghanistan, he said that the increase in cultivation of poppy in areas under the control of the Taliban and the outfit's involvement in virtually all aspects of the opium trade suggested that it was akin to a drug cartel. "We hope that the Council will better utilize the range of tools available to it to deal with these transnational networks of drugs, terrorism and crime," he said. Akbaruddin said that despite the international community's efforts, those supporting the terrorists affecting Afghanistan have not been deterred. "There are still those who provide sanctuaries to support the dark agendas of terrorist organisations like the Taliban, Haqqani Network, ISIS, Al-Qaeda, LeT and JeM. Indeed the challenges posed by cross-border terrorism emanating from safe havens and sanctuaries to Afghanistan and to our region must be addressed," Akbaruddin said. A resurgent Taliban has been blamed for much of the uptick in violence in Afghanistan since the US and NATO forces ended their combat missions in 2014. A Taliban attacker killed over 100 people and injured more than 230 others after driving an ambulance filled with explosives into the heart of the city on January 27. The Taliban claimed the responsibility for the attack. A week before the ambulance attack, militants stormed a luxury hotel in Kabul, killing 22 people, including 14 foreigners.

Irreconcilable guns need to be silenced in Afghanistan: India tell UNSC

India&#39;s representative at the United Nations, Syed Akbaruddin, on Thursday said that those who support terrorists have been undeterred despite international community&#39;s efforts.&nbsp;

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Despite international community&#39;s efforts, those supporting terrorists affecting Afghanistan haven&#39;t deterred.There are still those who provide sanctuaries to support dark agenda of Taliban, Haqqani network,ISIS, Al Qaeda, LeT, Jaish-e-Mohammed: Ambassador Syed Akbaruddin at UNSC <a href="https://t.co/PhXSuVRFie">pic.twitter.com/PhXSuVRFie</a>
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&quot;Despite international community&#39;s efforts, those supporting terrorists affecting Afghanistan haven&#39;t deterred. There are still those who provide sanctuaries to support dark agenda of Taliban, Haqqani network, ISIS, Al Qaeda, LeT, Jaish-e-Mohammed,&quot; he said while talking about countering terrorism at the United Nation Security Council meeting.&nbsp;

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Indeed the challenges posed by cross border terrorism emanating from safe havens &amp; sanctuaries to Afghanistan and to our region must be addressed: Ambassador Syed Akbaruddin, India&#39;s Permanent Representative to the United Nations at UNSC <a href="https://t.co/HHFdKm19nq">pic.twitter.com/HHFdKm19nq</a>
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Akbaruddin also talked about the challenges posed by cross-border terrorism &quot;emanating from safe havens and sanctuaries&quot;.

&quot;Indeed the challenges posed by cross-border terrorism emanating from safe havens &amp; sanctuaries to Afghanistan and to our region must be addressed,&quot; he added further.&nbsp;

India&#39;s ambassador to UN also reiterated the continued stance of &#39;zero-tolerance&#39; &quot;for those who continue violence&quot;.&nbsp;

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It should be clear to the armed opposition that there would be no tolerance for those who continue violence. Any violence needs a robust response.The irreconcilable guns need to be silenced:Ambassador Syed Akbaruddin,India&#39;s Permanent Representative to the United Nations at UNSC
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/971942631767977985?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 9, 2018</a></blockquote>
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&quot;It should be clear to the armed opposition that there would be no tolerance for those who continue the violence. Any violence needs a robust response.The irreconcilable guns need to be silenced,&quot; he shared.&nbsp;

India on Thursday <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-highlights-human-rights-violations-by-pakistan-at-un-35150">highlighted human rights violations by Pakistan </a>at the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC).

India&#39;s response came after Pakistan raised the issue of human rights violations in Jammu and Kashmir.

Mini Devi Kumam, Second Secretary, India&#39;s Permanent Mission at UNHRC stated that &quot;Pakistan has long been attempting to mask its territorial ambitions and use of terrorism as a state policy under the guise of concern for human rights&quot;.

The Indian representative also told the UNHRC that Pakistan was committing grossest violation of human rights by exporting terrorism to Jammu and Kashmir.

India also urged the UNHRC to call on Pakistan to end cross-border infiltration, to dismantle special terrorist zones, safe havens and sanctuaries, and to take verifiable actions, including on terror financing.

(With inputs from ANI)

Akbaruddin also talked about the challenges posed by cross-border terrorism 'emanating from safe havens and sanctuaries'

India's representative at the United Nations, Syed Akbaruddin, on Thursday said that those who support terrorists have been undeterred despite international community's efforts. Despite international community's efforts, those supporting terrorists affecting Afghanistan haven't deterred.There are still those who provide sanctuaries to support dark agenda of Taliban, Haqqani network,ISIS, Al Qaeda, LeT, Jaish-e-Mohammed: Ambassador Syed Akbaruddin at UNSC pic.twitter.com/PhXSuVRFie — ANI (@ANI) March 9, 2018 × "Despite international community's efforts, those supporting terrorists affecting Afghanistan haven't deterred. There are still those who provide sanctuaries to support dark agenda of Taliban, Haqqani network, ISIS, Al Qaeda, LeT, Jaish-e-Mohammed," he said while talking about countering terrorism at the United Nation Security Council meeting. Indeed the challenges posed by cross border terrorism emanating from safe havens & sanctuaries to Afghanistan and to our region must be addressed: Ambassador Syed Akbaruddin, India's Permanent Representative to the United Nations at UNSC pic.twitter.com/HHFdKm19nq — ANI (@ANI) March 9, 2018 × Akbaruddin also talked about the challenges posed by cross-border terrorism "emanating from safe havens and sanctuaries". "Indeed the challenges posed by cross-border terrorism emanating from safe havens & sanctuaries to Afghanistan and to our region must be addressed," he added further. India's ambassador to UN also reiterated the continued stance of 'zero-tolerance' "for those who continue violence". It should be clear to the armed opposition that there would be no tolerance for those who continue violence. Any violence needs a robust response.The irreconcilable guns need to be silenced:Ambassador Syed Akbaruddin,India's Permanent Representative to the United Nations at UNSC — ANI (@ANI) March 9, 2018 × "It should be clear to the armed opposition that there would be no tolerance for those who continue the violence. Any violence needs a robust response.The irreconcilable guns need to be silenced," he shared. India on Thursday highlighted human rights violations by Pakistan at the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC). India's response came after Pakistan raised the issue of human rights violations in Jammu and Kashmir. Mini Devi Kumam, Second Secretary, India's Permanent Mission at UNHRC stated that "Pakistan has long been attempting to mask its territorial ambitions and use of terrorism as a state policy under the guise of concern for human rights". The Indian representative also told the UNHRC that Pakistan was committing grossest violation of human rights by exporting terrorism to Jammu and Kashmir. India also urged the UNHRC to call on Pakistan to end cross-border infiltration, to dismantle special terrorist zones, safe havens and sanctuaries, and to take verifiable actions, including on terror financing. (With inputs from ANI)

No tolerance towards those supporting violence: Syed Akbaruddin at UN

On Mondy,&nbsp;French President Emmanuel Macron urged his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin to ensure that Syria respects implementation of the ceasefire accord in Eastern Ghouta.&nbsp;

According to reports, Macron, in a telephonic conversation, asked Putin to take stringent measures to push the Syrian government to implement the UN Security Council Resolution 2401 without any further delay.&nbsp;

The French President also urged Kremlin to assume all its responsibilities to show &quot;full credibility of its commitments,&quot; toward the welfare of the war-torn country and help Syria receive access to humanitarian aid in the rebel-held enclave.

On February 24, the UN Security Council adopted a resolution to achieve a 30-day humanitarian ceasefire in Syria in the wake of a deadly Syrian conflict that killed hundreds in Eastern Ghouta.

The offensive was carried out by forces loyal to Syrian President Bashar al-Assad to eliminate Al Qaeda linked groups in rebel-held zones.

On February 24, the UN Security Council adopted a resolution to achieve a 30-day humanitarian ceasefire in Syria

On Mondy, French President Emmanuel Macron urged his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin to ensure that Syria respects implementation of the ceasefire accord in Eastern Ghouta. According to reports, Macron, in a telephonic conversation, asked Putin to take stringent measures to push the Syrian government to implement the UN Security Council Resolution 2401 without any further delay. The French President also urged Kremlin to assume all its responsibilities to show "full credibility of its commitments," toward the welfare of the war-torn country and help Syria receive access to humanitarian aid in the rebel-held enclave. On February 24, the UN Security Council adopted a resolution to achieve a 30-day humanitarian ceasefire in Syria in the wake of a deadly Syrian conflict that killed hundreds in Eastern Ghouta. The offensive was carried out by forces loyal to Syrian President Bashar al-Assad to eliminate Al Qaeda linked groups in rebel-held zones.

Macron urges Putin to ensure Syrian implementation of UN ceasefire accord

The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) on Saturday unanimously backed a 30-day ceasefire resolution in Syria to allow for humanitarian aid deliveries and medical evacuations.

The vote comes in response to the seven-day airstrikes and bombings in the war-torn country that has claimed over 500 lives so far.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres appealed on Wednesday for an immediate end to &quot;war activities&quot; there and had referred to the Syrians living in the Eastern Ghouta enclave near Damascus as &quot;Hell on Earth&quot;, according to media reports.

Earlier, the UNSC was supposed to vote on the ceasefire in Syria on Thursday, which is seeing a bloody six-year-old civil war.

Negotiations stumbled over Russian demands that the rebel groups fighting Syrian President Bashar al-Assad&#39;s forces should comply with the resolution.

Russia, which is also a permanent member of the Security Council vetoed 11 times to protect the Syrian government.

The draft resolution put forward by Kuwait and Sweden, earlier called for a nationwide resolution to go into effect within 72 hours after the resolution is passed. Medical evacuations and aid deliveries would start 48 hours after adopting the resolution. However, the plan did not materialise.

The Bashar-led Syrian government and its close ally Russia have repeatedly said that the motive of airstrikes is to target militants.

They have said that they seek to stop mortar attacks injuring dozens in Damascus, and have accused the militants in Eastern Ghouta of capturing and holding people as &quot;human shields&quot;.

Moscow, which intervened militarily in support of its Damascus ally in 2015, has denied any direct involvement in the Eastern Ghouta bombardment.

The Syrian military forces have not commented on the resolution so far.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel and French President Emmanuel Macron on Friday called on the Russian President Vladimir Putin to back the ceasefire resolution.

In November last year, Russia used its veto power to end a UN-led investigation of chemical weapons attacks in Syria.

Nearly 500 people, including 100 children, have died and hundreds more injured in the last seven days, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR).

At least 35 civilians were killed in Saturday&#39;s strikes, including eight children. A night of heavy bombardment sparked fires in residential districts, the SOHR said in a statement.

Eastern Ghouta, which houses around 400,000 residents, has remained under a crippling regime siege for the last five years.

In May last year, Russia, Iran and Turkey signed an agreement to set up de-escalation zones, in order to prevent airstrike-related incidents in some parts of Syria.

The de-escalation zones include- Idlib province, some parts of Latakia province, Hama and Aleppo provinces, Homs, Eastern Ghouta, Daraa and al-Quneitra provinces in southern Syria.

Syria has been embroiled in a civil war since 2011. Protesters have been long demanding the resignation of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad over his autocratic rule.

The UN Security Council has unanimously approved a resolution demanding a 30-day ceasefire in Syria to allow aid deliveries and medical evacuations

The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) on Saturday unanimously backed a 30-day ceasefire resolution in Syria to allow for humanitarian aid deliveries and medical evacuations. The vote comes in response to the seven-day airstrikes and bombings in the war-torn country that has claimed over 500 lives so far. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres appealed on Wednesday for an immediate end to "war activities" there and had referred to the Syrians living in the Eastern Ghouta enclave near Damascus as "Hell on Earth", according to media reports. Earlier, the UNSC was supposed to vote on the ceasefire in Syria on Thursday, which is seeing a bloody six-year-old civil war. Negotiations stumbled over Russian demands that the rebel groups fighting Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's forces should comply with the resolution. Russia, which is also a permanent member of the Security Council vetoed 11 times to protect the Syrian government. The draft resolution put forward by Kuwait and Sweden, earlier called for a nationwide resolution to go into effect within 72 hours after the resolution is passed. Medical evacuations and aid deliveries would start 48 hours after adopting the resolution. However, the plan did not materialise. The Bashar-led Syrian government and its close ally Russia have repeatedly said that the motive of airstrikes is to target militants. They have said that they seek to stop mortar attacks injuring dozens in Damascus, and have accused the militants in Eastern Ghouta of capturing and holding people as "human shields". Moscow, which intervened militarily in support of its Damascus ally in 2015, has denied any direct involvement in the Eastern Ghouta bombardment. The Syrian military forces have not commented on the resolution so far. German Chancellor Angela Merkel and French President Emmanuel Macron on Friday called on the Russian President Vladimir Putin to back the ceasefire resolution. In November last year, Russia used its veto power to end a UN-led investigation of chemical weapons attacks in Syria. Nearly 500 people, including 100 children, have died and hundreds more injured in the last seven days, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR). At least 35 civilians were killed in Saturday's strikes, including eight children. A night of heavy bombardment sparked fires in residential districts, the SOHR said in a statement. Eastern Ghouta, which houses around 400,000 residents, has remained under a crippling regime siege for the last five years. In May last year, Russia, Iran and Turkey signed an agreement to set up de-escalation zones, in order to prevent airstrike-related incidents in some parts of Syria. The de-escalation zones include- Idlib province, some parts of Latakia province, Hama and Aleppo provinces, Homs, Eastern Ghouta, Daraa and al-Quneitra provinces in southern Syria. Syria has been embroiled in a civil war since 2011. Protesters have been long demanding the resignation of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad over his autocratic rule.

Syria war: UN Security Council approves 30-day ceasefire as death toll in rebel enclave tops 500

Amid mounting global pressure on Pakistan to act against Mumbai attack mastermind Hafiz Saeed and entities linked to him, a UN Security Council team will visit the country next week for an assessment of <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/no-action-can-be-taken-against-hafiz-saeed-pakistan-pm-29908">Islamabad&#39;s compliance</a> with the world body&#39;s sanctions regime.

The two-day visit of the UN Security Council&#39;s sanctions monitoring team will begin on Thursday.

&quot;The monitoring team of the UNSC 1267 Sanctions Committee will be here on January 25 and 26,&quot; a senior Pakistani official was quoted as saying by Dawn.

The UN monitoring team&#39;s visit is taking place amid increasing pressure on Pakistan from the US and India with respect to the inadequate implementation of the sanctions on Saeed and entities linked to him.

However, Pakistani officials, insist that the trip is a routine visit.

Saeed was listed under UN Security Council Resolution 1267 in December 2008.

On Friday, the US State Department said it has told clearly to Islamabad that Saeed is a &quot;terrorist&quot; and should be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law, reacting strongly to Pakistan Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi&#39;s remarks that there was no case against the Mumbai attack mastermind.

State Department spokesperson Heather Nauert said: &quot;He is listed by the UNSC 1267, the Al-Qaeda Sanctions Committee for targeted sanctions due to his affiliation with Lashkar-e-Taiba, which is a designated foreign terror organisation.&quot;

&quot;We believe that he should be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law,&quot; Nauert had said.

Saeed, the chief of the Jamaat-ud-Dawah (JuD), was released from house arrest in Pakistan in November.

The JuD is believed to be the front organisation for the LeT which is responsible for carrying out the Mumbai attack that killed 166 people. It has been declared as a foreign terrorist organisation by the US in June 2014.

&quot;The terms of reference of the monitoring team for the Pakistan visit are not publicly known, but as per its general mandate it assists the 1267 Committee in keeping an eye on the freezing of the financial assets of listed persons and entities and checking provision of training and other material to them and their travel,&quot; the paper said.

The UNSC monitoring team intimates instances of non- compliance to the committee through its reports. At the same time it also advises and assists member states on implementation of the regime.

Pakistan has remained under the Financial Action Task Force scanner over allegations by the US and India about the UNSC sanctions not being fully implemented, the paper said.

The US Department of the Treasury has designated Saeed as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist, and the US, since 2012, has offered a USD 10 million reward for information that brings Saeed to justice.&nbsp;

Amid mounting global pressure on Pakistan to act against Mumbai attack mastermind Hafiz Saeed and entities linked to him, a UN Security Council team will visit the country next week for an assessment of Islamabad's compliance with the world body's sanctions regime

Amid mounting global pressure on Pakistan to act against Mumbai attack mastermind Hafiz Saeed and entities linked to him, a UN Security Council team will visit the country next week for an assessment of Islamabad's compliance with the world body's sanctions regime. The two-day visit of the UN Security Council's sanctions monitoring team will begin on Thursday. "The monitoring team of the UNSC 1267 Sanctions Committee will be here on January 25 and 26," a senior Pakistani official was quoted as saying by Dawn. The UN monitoring team's visit is taking place amid increasing pressure on Pakistan from the US and India with respect to the inadequate implementation of the sanctions on Saeed and entities linked to him. However, Pakistani officials, insist that the trip is a routine visit. Saeed was listed under UN Security Council Resolution 1267 in December 2008. On Friday, the US State Department said it has told clearly to Islamabad that Saeed is a "terrorist" and should be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law, reacting strongly to Pakistan Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi's remarks that there was no case against the Mumbai attack mastermind. State Department spokesperson Heather Nauert said: "He is listed by the UNSC 1267, the Al-Qaeda Sanctions Committee for targeted sanctions due to his affiliation with Lashkar-e-Taiba, which is a designated foreign terror organisation." "We believe that he should be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law," Nauert had said. Saeed, the chief of the Jamaat-ud-Dawah (JuD), was released from house arrest in Pakistan in November. The JuD is believed to be the front organisation for the LeT which is responsible for carrying out the Mumbai attack that killed 166 people. It has been declared as a foreign terrorist organisation by the US in June 2014. "The terms of reference of the monitoring team for the Pakistan visit are not publicly known, but as per its general mandate it assists the 1267 Committee in keeping an eye on the freezing of the financial assets of listed persons and entities and checking provision of training and other material to them and their travel," the paper said. The UNSC monitoring team intimates instances of non- compliance to the committee through its reports. At the same time it also advises and assists member states on implementation of the regime. Pakistan has remained under the Financial Action Task Force scanner over allegations by the US and India about the UNSC sanctions not being fully implemented, the paper said. The US Department of the Treasury has designated Saeed as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist, and the US, since 2012, has offered a USD 10 million reward for information that brings Saeed to justice.

UNSC sanctions team to visit Pakistan next week

A UN Security Council team has arrived in Pakistan for an assessment of Islamabad&#39;s compliance with the world body&#39;s sanctions regime, amid mounting global pressure on the country to act against Mumbai attack mastermind Hafiz Saeed and entities linked to him.

Though there was no official word about the arrival of the UN Security Council&#39;s sanctions monitoring team, Geo News reported that it arrived late yesterday.

The visit of the United Nations Security Council 1267 Sanctions Committee is taking place amid increasing pressure on Pakistan from the US and India with respect to the inadequate implementation of the sanctions on Saeed and entities linked to him.

However, Pakistani officials insist that the trip is a routine one.

A media report had said that Pakistan will not allow the committee any direct access to Jamaat-ud Dawa (JuD) chief Saeed or his entities.

Yesterday, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/lahore-high-court-restrains-pakistan-govt-from-taking-action-against-saeed-30637">a Pakistani court restrained the government from arresting Saeed</a> till March 17.

The JuD chief, who was listed under UN Security Council Resolution 1267 in December 2008, had moved the court seeking protection from arrest or action against JuD and Falah-i- Insaniat Foundation (FIF) ahead of the visit of the UN team.&nbsp;

However, Pakistani officials insist that the trip is a routine one

A UN Security Council team has arrived in Pakistan for an assessment of Islamabad's compliance with the world body's sanctions regime, amid mounting global pressure on the country to act against Mumbai attack mastermind Hafiz Saeed and entities linked to him. Though there was no official word about the arrival of the UN Security Council's sanctions monitoring team, Geo News reported that it arrived late yesterday. The visit of the United Nations Security Council 1267 Sanctions Committee is taking place amid increasing pressure on Pakistan from the US and India with respect to the inadequate implementation of the sanctions on Saeed and entities linked to him. However, Pakistani officials insist that the trip is a routine one. A media report had said that Pakistan will not allow the committee any direct access to Jamaat-ud Dawa (JuD) chief Saeed or his entities. Yesterday, a Pakistani court restrained the government from arresting Saeed till March 17. The JuD chief, who was listed under UN Security Council Resolution 1267 in December 2008, had moved the court seeking protection from arrest or action against JuD and Falah-i- Insaniat Foundation (FIF) ahead of the visit of the UN team.

UNSC team monitoring sanctions arrives in Pakistan: Report

Pakistan needs to change its &quot;mindset&quot; of differentiating between good and bad terrorists, India said at the&nbsp;<a href="https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/topic/UN" pg="AS1_InlineMedia#AS1_https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/india-us-and-afghanistan-target-pakistan-over-terrorism-at-unsc/articleshow/62581667.cms~UN-https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/topic/UN">UN</a>&nbsp;Security Council, urging it to focus on challenges posed by terrorism emanating from the safe havens from across the border.

Indian Ambassador to the UN Syed Akbaruddin told the Security Council that it is India&#39;s vision to see&nbsp;<a href="https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/topic/Afghanistan" pg="AS1_InlineMedia#AS1_https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/india-us-and-afghanistan-target-pakistan-over-terrorism-at-unsc/articleshow/62581667.cms~Afghanistan-https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/topic/Afghanistan">Afghanistan</a>&nbsp;regain its place.

He added that New Delhi remain committed to work closely with its regional and international partners to bring peace, security, stability and prosperity in Afghanistan. 
 
Earlier, the US told the UN Security Council that the status quo regarding terrorist safe havens in Pakistan is not acceptable. 
 
Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/india-us-and-afghanistan-target-pakistan-over-terrorism-at-unsc-30161">Pakistan brings up Kulbhushan Jadhav case in UN security council debate</a>

The US had said that the status quo regarding continued terror safe havens in Pakistan is not acceptable and insisted that Islamabad join its efforts to bring a resolution to the conflict. 
 
&quot;We seek to work cohesively and effectively with Pakistan, but cannot be successful if the status quo, one where terrorist organisations are given sanctuary inside the country&#39;s borders, is allowed to continue,&quot; US deputy secretary of state John Sullivan told the ministerial meeting.

And the Afghan deputy foreign minister Hekmat Khalil Karzai reiterated the presence of terrorist safe haven across the border.

Meanwhile, Pakistan continued to be in denial.

Permanent Representative of Pakistan to the UN Maleeha Lodhi, responding to Indian ambassador, raked up the case of Jadhav, who was captured in March last year and sentenced to death by a Pakistani military court for alleged spying, an accusation that India has dismissed as concocted. 
 
&quot;Those who talk of changing mindset need to look within, at their own record of subversion against my country as our capture of an Indian spy has proven beyond doubt,&quot; Lodhi told the members of the UN Security Council, without naming Jadhav.

The US had said that the status quo regarding continued terror safe havens in Pakistan is not acceptable

Pakistan needs to change its "mindset" of differentiating between good and bad terrorists, India said at the UN Security Council, urging it to focus on challenges posed by terrorism emanating from the safe havens from across the border. Indian Ambassador to the UN Syed Akbaruddin told the Security Council that it is India's vision to see Afghanistan regain its place. He added that New Delhi remain committed to work closely with its regional and international partners to bring peace, security, stability and prosperity in Afghanistan. Earlier, the US told the UN Security Council that the status quo regarding terrorist safe havens in Pakistan is not acceptable. Also read: Pakistan brings up Kulbhushan Jadhav case in UN security council debate The US had said that the status quo regarding continued terror safe havens in Pakistan is not acceptable and insisted that Islamabad join its efforts to bring a resolution to the conflict. "We seek to work cohesively and effectively with Pakistan, but cannot be successful if the status quo, one where terrorist organisations are given sanctuary inside the country's borders, is allowed to continue," US deputy secretary of state John Sullivan told the ministerial meeting. And the Afghan deputy foreign minister Hekmat Khalil Karzai reiterated the presence of terrorist safe haven across the border. Meanwhile, Pakistan continued to be in denial. Permanent Representative of Pakistan to the UN Maleeha Lodhi, responding to Indian ambassador, raked up the case of Jadhav, who was captured in March last year and sentenced to death by a Pakistani military court for alleged spying, an accusation that India has dismissed as concocted. "Those who talk of changing mindset need to look within, at their own record of subversion against my country as our capture of an Indian spy has proven beyond doubt," Lodhi told the members of the UN Security Council, without naming Jadhav.

India, US, Afghanistan target Pakistan over terrorism at UNSC

Pakistan raked up the issue of Indian death-row prisoner Kulbhushan Jadhav in the UN Security Council after it was accused by India, the US and Afghanistan, for providing safe havens to terrorists.

Permanent Representative of Pakistan to the UN Maleeha Lodhi was responding to Indian ambassador to the UN Syed Akbaruddin who said Pakistan needs to change its &quot;mindset&quot; of differentiating between good and bad terrorists.

India urged the UN Security Council to focus on challenges posed by terrorism emanating from the safe havens from across the border.

In response to India, Lodhi said raked up the case of Jadhav, who was captured in March last year and sentenced to death by a Pakistani military court for alleged spying, an accusation that India has dismissed as concocted.

&quot;Those who talk of changing mindset need to look within, at their own record of subversion against my country as our capture of an Indian spy has proven beyond doubt,&quot; Lodhi told the members of the UN Security Council, without naming Jadhav.

Earlier, the US told the UN Security Council that the status quo regarding continues terrorist safe havens in Pakistan is not acceptable.

The US has said that the status quo regarding continued terror safe havens in Pakistan is not acceptable and insisted that Islamabad join its efforts to bring a resolution to the conflict.

&quot;We seek to work cohesively and effectively with Pakistan, but cannot be successful if the status quo, one where terrorist organisations are given sanctuary inside the country&#39;s borders, is allowed to continue,&quot; US deputy secretary of state John Sullivan told the ministerial meeting.

And the Afghan deputy foreign minister Hekmat Khalil Karzai reiterated the presence of terrorist safe haven across the border. 
But Lodhi continued to be in denial.

&quot;Indeed, with its safe havens inside the country and income from the narcotics trade, the insurgency does not really need any outside assistance or support centers to sustain its efforts,&quot; Lodhi said during a ministerial debate on Afghanistan.

&quot;Afghanistan and its partners, especially the United States therefore need to address these challenges inside Afghanistan rather than shifts the onus for ending the conflict on to others,&quot; Lodhi said.

Afghanistan needed to address the challenges inside the country rather than shifting the onus for ending the conflict to others, she alleged.

&quot;Those who imagine sanctuaries outside really need a reality check,&quot; she said

But there were no takers for Lodhi&#39;s claims that there are no terrorist safe havens inside Pakistan.

None of the more than two dozen speakers came out in support of the Pakistani argument in this regard.

US told the UN Security Council that the status quo regarding continues terrorist safe havens in Pakistan is not acceptable

Pakistan raked up the issue of Indian death-row prisoner Kulbhushan Jadhav in the UN Security Council after it was accused by India, the US and Afghanistan, for providing safe havens to terrorists. Permanent Representative of Pakistan to the UN Maleeha Lodhi was responding to Indian ambassador to the UN Syed Akbaruddin who said Pakistan needs to change its "mindset" of differentiating between good and bad terrorists. India urged the UN Security Council to focus on challenges posed by terrorism emanating from the safe havens from across the border. In response to India, Lodhi said raked up the case of Jadhav, who was captured in March last year and sentenced to death by a Pakistani military court for alleged spying, an accusation that India has dismissed as concocted. "Those who talk of changing mindset need to look within, at their own record of subversion against my country as our capture of an Indian spy has proven beyond doubt," Lodhi told the members of the UN Security Council, without naming Jadhav. Earlier, the US told the UN Security Council that the status quo regarding continues terrorist safe havens in Pakistan is not acceptable. The US has said that the status quo regarding continued terror safe havens in Pakistan is not acceptable and insisted that Islamabad join its efforts to bring a resolution to the conflict. "We seek to work cohesively and effectively with Pakistan, but cannot be successful if the status quo, one where terrorist organisations are given sanctuary inside the country's borders, is allowed to continue," US deputy secretary of state John Sullivan told the ministerial meeting. And the Afghan deputy foreign minister Hekmat Khalil Karzai reiterated the presence of terrorist safe haven across the border. But Lodhi continued to be in denial. "Indeed, with its safe havens inside the country and income from the narcotics trade, the insurgency does not really need any outside assistance or support centers to sustain its efforts," Lodhi said during a ministerial debate on Afghanistan. "Afghanistan and its partners, especially the United States therefore need to address these challenges inside Afghanistan rather than shifts the onus for ending the conflict on to others," Lodhi said. Afghanistan needed to address the challenges inside the country rather than shifting the onus for ending the conflict to others, she alleged. "Those who imagine sanctuaries outside really need a reality check," she said But there were no takers for Lodhi's claims that there are no terrorist safe havens inside Pakistan. None of the more than two dozen speakers came out in support of the Pakistani argument in this regard.

Pakistan brings up Kulbhushan Jadhav case in UN security council debate

The United Nations Security Council &#39;monitoring team&#39;&nbsp;will visit Pakistan on Thursday to ensure if the country complies with the UN sanctions.&nbsp;

The UNSC sanction list has Hafiz Saeed on it who reacted on the UNSC team visit saying that &quot;There is no harm in it. They (U.N. delegation) should come to Pakistan, visit our centres, visit our Muridke, our educational complex. We never stop anyone. We have it open for all. Any delegation from any corner of the world can visit there. It is open for any media from across the world. Anyone can visit, ask questions. All of our work across Pakistan can be checked. We are not doing anything illegal.&quot;

On Tuesday, Saeed was reported to have filed a petition in the Lahore High Court seeking protection against his arrest by the UNSC authorities.&nbsp;&quot;The PML-N government wants to arrest me at the behest of the United States and India,&quot; he said.

He also blamed the US and India for trying to prove that he was &quot;somehow involved in Mumbai attacks&quot;.

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

'The PML-N government wants to arrest me at the behest of the United States and India,' Saeed said

The United Nations Security Council 'monitoring team' will visit Pakistan on Thursday to ensure if the country complies with the UN sanctions. The UNSC sanction list has Hafiz Saeed on it who reacted on the UNSC team visit saying that "There is no harm in it. They (U.N. delegation) should come to Pakistan, visit our centres, visit our Muridke, our educational complex. We never stop anyone. We have it open for all. Any delegation from any corner of the world can visit there. It is open for any media from across the world. Anyone can visit, ask questions. All of our work across Pakistan can be checked. We are not doing anything illegal." On Tuesday, Saeed was reported to have filed a petition in the Lahore High Court seeking protection against his arrest by the UNSC authorities. "The PML-N government wants to arrest me at the behest of the United States and India," he said. He also blamed the US and India for trying to prove that he was "somehow involved in Mumbai attacks". (With inputs from agencies)

JuD chief Saeed moves Lahore High Court, seeks protection ahead of UN Security Council visit

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After firing one, Trump on collision course with new FBI director FBI Director Christopher Wray was hand-picked by Donald Trump to head a law enforcement agency the US president believed was biased against him. Now, just six months into his tenure, the 50-year-old Wray finds himself on a collision course with a president who has already fired one FBI director. CNN reported Thursday that Wray could quit if Trump goes ahead and approves the release of a secret memo at the center of a political firestorm in Washington. Fidel Castro's eldest son commits suicide: Cuban media The son of late Cuban revolutionary leader Fidel Castro, Fidel Castro Diaz-Balart, committed suicide on Thursday after being treated for months for depression, Cuban state-run media reported. "Diaz-Balart, who had been attended by a group of doctors for several months due to a state of profound depression, committed suicide this morning," Cubadebate website said. Apple says it sold fewer iPhones but made record profit Apple on Thursday said its earnings in the final three months of last year set new records, with sales of its flagship iPhone X topping its expectations. The California-based technology giant reported that profit climbed to $20 billion on revenue that increased 13 percent to $88.3 billion during the period. "We're thrilled to report the biggest quarter in Apple's history, with broad-based growth that included the highest revenue ever from a new iPhone lineup," said Apple chief executive Tim Cook. China, Russia roles in Americas 'alarming', says Rex Tillerson Secretary of State Rex Tillerson warned that China and Russia are assuming "alarming" roles in Latin America and urged regional powers to work with the United States instead. "Latin America doesn't need new imperial powers that seek only to benefit their own people," Tillerson said, in a major policy address yesterday before his first tour of South American capitals. "China's state-led model of development is reminiscent of the past. It doesn't have to be the hemisphere's future," he said, warning that "unfair trading practices" would cost local jobs. Myanmar turns down UN Security Council visit Myanmar's government has told the Security Council that this month was "not the right time" for a visit by the top UN body to see first-hand the Rohingya refugee crisis, the council president said on Thursday. Kuwait's Ambassador Mansour al-Otaibi said Myanmar authorities were not opposed to such a visit, which could take place in March or April. "They just think that this is not the right time for a visit," Otaibi, who holds the council presidency for February, told reporters at UN headquarters.

WION Morning News Brief, February 2, 2018

The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) has imposed ten rounds of punitive sanctions on North Korea. The United States has imposed additional sanctions. In the normal course, these should have brought Pyongyang to its knees. Practically all its avenues of earning foreign exchange have been choked. Its main export items (seafood, minerals, coal, iron ore, textiles etc) have been blocked. Since last year, restrictions have been imposed and progressively tightened on its imports of oil and petroleum products, which are critical to the regime&rsquo;s survival. Yet, North Korea is undaunted.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

It has simply shrugged off the sanctions. Reportedly even gasoline is not in short supply in the country. Its GDP is growing at 3.5 to 4 per cent annually. From all indications, life continues to be normal for the ordinary citizen. How has Pyongyang managed to do so?

&nbsp;

North Korea conducted its sixth and to date the most powerful nuclear test on 3rd September 2017. On 29th November it tested Hwasong-15 ICBM (Intercontinental Ballistic Missile) which on a standard trajectory could have travelled some 13,000 kms, reaching any part of the continental United States. It carried a (dummy?) warhead. It is merely a matter of time before it perfects the re-entry technology. The speed at which North Korea is mastering the sophisticated ballistic missile technology has taken even the experts by surprise.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Now the question is, who has been enabling this pariah state to pose the biggest threat to the peace and security architecture in East Asia and beyond?

&nbsp;

The simple truth is that it is none other than North Korea&rsquo;s patron and neighbour with which it shares a 1420 kms border along the Yalu and Tumen rivers. It is a &lsquo;responsible major country&rsquo; (as described by its President) which is a permanent member of the UNSC and poised to become the biggest economy in the world within twenty years. It is the country which has two allies &ndash; Pakistan and North Korea &ndash; both rogue nations. The country in question is -&nbsp; China.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Beijing has perfected the art of voting for sanctions in New York and then finding imaginative ways of neutralising or blunting them, on the ground. Be it the import of coal or export of petroleum products, Beijing has been merrily circumventing sanctions. In recent days, several reports have emerged of Chinese and Russian ships transferring oil to North Korean vessels in international waters.

It is, however, also a fact that Beijing too is getting increasingly concerned by the turn of events. Given its self-image and posturing as a responsible player in the global arena, it is queasy to be seen as the principal protector of a rogue regime. It is also true that Pyongyang no longer does Beijing&rsquo;s bidding unquestionably.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

The verbal slugfest between Washington and Pyongyang, that is getting sharper by the day, is anything but good news for China. The possibility of conflict in the Korean Peninsula is growing by the day. Pyongyang which sees WMD (weapons of mass destruction) as an insurance for regime survival, is determined not to roll back its nuclear or missile development programme. On the other hand, a nuclearised North Korea has far-reaching negative implications for the strategic balance in East Asia.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Thus, in some ways, Beijing is caught in a cleft-stick, of its own making. Yet it is not willing to let the Kim regime crumble, purportedly to avert instability. The real reason is that China cannot countenance a pro-west regime along its north-eastern border.&nbsp;

Will China succeed in its game of shadow-boxing? There are no easy answers. In some ways, the world is confronted with a stalemate.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

The Kim regime will not give up its WMD programme without a fight. For over two decades, it has been successful in stringing its interlocutors along by going through the motions of a negotiated settlement, while stealthily advancing its nuclear ambitions. Conflict is not a realistic option, given the huge human and material cost it will entail, especially for South Korea. Sanctions are not having the desired impact. North Korea seeks unconditional direct talks with the USA. Secretary Tillerson has alluded to such a possibility only to be undermined by President Trump. The biggest fear at the moment is of a miscalculation by either side, setting in motion a chain of events which would be difficult to predict or calibrate.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL).

China has been enabling North Korea, the pariah state to pose the biggest threat to the peace and security architecture in East Asia and beyond

The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) has imposed ten rounds of punitive sanctions on North Korea. The United States has imposed additional sanctions. In the normal course, these should have brought Pyongyang to its knees. Practically all its avenues of earning foreign exchange have been choked. Its main export items (seafood, minerals, coal, iron ore, textiles etc) have been blocked. Since last year, restrictions have been imposed and progressively tightened on its imports of oil and petroleum products, which are critical to the regime’s survival. Yet, North Korea is undaunted. It has simply shrugged off the sanctions. Reportedly even gasoline is not in short supply in the country. Its GDP is growing at 3.5 to 4 per cent annually. From all indications, life continues to be normal for the ordinary citizen. How has Pyongyang managed to do so? North Korea conducted its sixth and to date the most powerful nuclear test on 3rd September 2017. On 29th November it tested Hwasong-15 ICBM (Intercontinental Ballistic Missile) which on a standard trajectory could have travelled some 13,000 kms, reaching any part of the continental United States. It carried a (dummy?) warhead. It is merely a matter of time before it perfects the re-entry technology. The speed at which North Korea is mastering the sophisticated ballistic missile technology has taken even the experts by surprise. Now the question is, who has been enabling this pariah state to pose the biggest threat to the peace and security architecture in East Asia and beyond? The simple truth is that it is none other than North Korea’s patron and neighbour with which it shares a 1420 kms border along the Yalu and Tumen rivers. It is a ‘responsible major country’ (as described by its President) which is a permanent member of the UNSC and poised to become the biggest economy in the world within twenty years. It is the country which has two allies – Pakistan and North Korea – both rogue nations. The country in question is - China. Beijing has perfected the art of voting for sanctions in New York and then finding imaginative ways of neutralising or blunting them, on the ground. Be it the import of coal or export of petroleum products, Beijing has been merrily circumventing sanctions. In recent days, several reports have emerged of Chinese and Russian ships transferring oil to North Korean vessels in international waters. It is, however, also a fact that Beijing too is getting increasingly concerned by the turn of events. Given its self-image and posturing as a responsible player in the global arena, it is queasy to be seen as the principal protector of a rogue regime. It is also true that Pyongyang no longer does Beijing’s bidding unquestionably. The verbal slugfest between Washington and Pyongyang, that is getting sharper by the day, is anything but good news for China. The possibility of conflict in the Korean Peninsula is growing by the day. Pyongyang which sees WMD (weapons of mass destruction) as an insurance for regime survival, is determined not to roll back its nuclear or missile development programme. On the other hand, a nuclearised North Korea has far-reaching negative implications for the strategic balance in East Asia. Thus, in some ways, Beijing is caught in a cleft-stick, of its own making. Yet it is not willing to let the Kim regime crumble, purportedly to avert instability. The real reason is that China cannot countenance a pro-west regime along its north-eastern border. Will China succeed in its game of shadow-boxing? There are no easy answers. In some ways, the world is confronted with a stalemate. The Kim regime will not give up its WMD programme without a fight. For over two decades, it has been successful in stringing its interlocutors along by going through the motions of a negotiated settlement, while stealthily advancing its nuclear ambitions. Conflict is not a realistic option, given the huge human and material cost it will entail, especially for South Korea. Sanctions are not having the desired impact. North Korea seeks unconditional direct talks with the USA. Secretary Tillerson has alluded to such a possibility only to be undermined by President Trump. The biggest fear at the moment is of a miscalculation by either side, setting in motion a chain of events which would be difficult to predict or calibrate. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL).

Opinion: The China-North Korea unholy nexus

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