Maulana Mohamad Masood Azhar Alvi.

China’s dissent on Azhar counters mutual goals: US

March 13, 2019

China’s opposition to designate Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) chief Masood Azhar as an international terrorist by the UN runs counter to its mutual goal with the US on regional stability, according to a State Department official…writes Arul Louis

Maulana Mohamad Masood Azhar Alvi.

As the founder and leader of the Pakistan-based JeM, Azhar “meets the criteria for the designation by the UN” as a global terrorist subject to its sanctions, Department Deputy Spokesperson Robert Palladino said.

He leads the JeM, which has been designated by the UN as a terrorist organisation and “has been responsible for numerous terrorist attacks and is a threat to regional stability and peace”, Palladino said during a news briefing in Washington.

China has placed Azhar under its protection and vetoed moves to declare him a global terrorist that would subject him to UN sanctions.

“The US and China share a mutual interest in achieving regional stability and peace, and … a failure to designate Azhar would run counter to this goal,” Palladino added.

After the Pulwama suicide car-bombing by the JeM that killed more than 40 Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) troopers on February 14, France is spearheading a renewed effort with British and the US backing to put sanctions on Azhar.

About these efforts, Palladino said: “The US and India work closely together on counter-terrorism efforts, and that includes at the UN.”

Previous Story

Venezuela investigates Guaido over blackout

Next Story

‘Mallya case a template for Nirav Modi extradition’

Latest from ASIA NEWS

UN urges investments in Syria

Rebuilding Syria requires not only emergency relief but sustained investment in basic services, economic recovery, and stability, says UN Office in Syria.

Khamenei threatens more strikes

Iran’s supreme leader rebukes Trump’s ‘surrender’ remark, warns of repeat attacks on US bases and Israeli targets. In his first public appearance

Iran Suspends IAEA Cooperation

The decision followed the recent US strikes on three Iranian nuclear sites …reports Asian Lite News The Iranian Parliament on Wednesday overwhelmingly