China on Friday cited the absence of consensus among members of a U.N. committee to explain its decision to block a ban, sought by India, on Masood Azhar, the head of the Pakistan based group, Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM).
In response to a question from The Hindu , the Foreign Ministry spokesperson’s office cited U.N. Security Council 1267 Committee, which was approached by India for a ban on the JeM chief as an “important anti-terrorism” organisation.
‘Different opinions’
It added: “The Chinese side always believes that 1267 Committee upholds the objective, just and professional principles with regard to the list and makes decisions based on consensus reached by Security Council members.”
The statement pointed out that “members of 1267 committee have different opinions”. It stressed that China used to propose a “technical hold” in order to leave more time for the Committee to deliberate and related parties to further negotiate. “Unfortunately, no consensus has been reached so far.”
It said, “The actions China took in the committee aimed to maintain the authority and effectiveness of the Committee’s list and are in accord with Security Council resolution and Committee’s rules of procedure.”
The Foreign Ministry highlighted that “China will maintain communication with all related sides according to Security Council resolution and Committee’s rules of procedure.”
