China blocks India's bid to designate Masood Azhar as a global terrorist in UNSC

China for the fourth time 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,

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.

"The 1267 Sanctions Committee, upon completion of the no-objection period on 13 March 2019, wasn't able to come to a decision on the proposal for listing Mohammed Masood Azhar under the UN Sanctions regime, on account of a member placing the proposal on hold," said Ministry of External Affair.

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

The Foreign Minister added, "We are disappointed by this outcome. This has prevented action by the international community to designate the leader of (JeM), a proscribed and active terrorist organization which has claimed responsibility for the terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir on 14 February 2019."

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. 

"We are grateful for the efforts of the Member States who moved the designation proposal and the unprecedented number of all other Security Council members as well as non-members who joined as co-sponsors," said Indian Foreign Ministry.

"We will continue to pursue all available avenues to ensure that terrorist leaders who are involved in heinous attacks on our citizens are brought to justice," MEA added.

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