China On Blocking Masood Azhar's Ban: Need more time to study matter

Hours after blocking India's move to blacklist Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) chief Masood Azhar as a global terrorist by the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), China on Thursday said that it needs more time to study the matter and conduct a "thorough, in-depth investigation on the matter".

"China's stand is in line with the rules, procedures of the UN sanctions committee. The technical hold is to ensure that China has enough time to study the matter," foreign ministry spokesperson Lu Kang was quoted as saying by news agency Press Trust of India.

 "Our action is to make sure that the committee will have enough time to study the matter so that the relevant sides will have time for dialogue and consultation," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lu Kang said.

"Only a solution that is acceptable to all sides could fundamentally provide a chance for a lasting solution to the issue. China is ready to communicate and coordinate with all sides including India to properly handle this issue," he said.

China on Wednesday blocked India's proposal to designate Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Masood Azhar as a "global terrorist" by the UN Security Council 1267 list by placing a "technical hold" on it. China is a veto-wielding (permanent) member of the UN Security Council.

In response, India said that it is 'disappointed' by the outcome but stopped short of naming China.

Amid India-Pakistan tension, Pulwama terror attack, the proposal to designate Azhar under the 1267 Al Qaeda Sanctions Committee of the UN Security Council was moved by France, UK and the US on February 27.

According to Government sources, more than 10 countries had supported India's bid to designate JeM Chief Masood Azhar as a global terrorist in the United Nations Security Council 1267 list, as co-sponsors.