China defends its position on Masood Azhar issue

BEIJING: China on Thursday defended its position on the issue of Masood Azhar urging the relevant parties to get it resolved through dialogue and consultation in order to avoid further complication in the matter.

On China’s move placing a technical suspension on the application of the United Nations Security Council’s 1267 Committee to Masood, a spokesperson of the Chinese Foreign Ministry said the 1267 Committee has clear rules on the listing procedures of terrorist organisations or individuals.

The Chinese side is conducting a comprehensive and in-depth evaluation of the listed applications submitted by the countries concerned and it will take more time so it proposes a technical suspension. This is in line with the rules of procedure of the 1267 Committee.

China hopes that the relevant actions of the 1267 Committee will help the countries concerned to resolve the issue through dialogue and consultation and avoid adding complicated factors to regional peace and stability.

The spokesperson clarified that in the 1267 Committee the Chinese side suspended the listing of Masood aiming to gain more time for the committee’s research and the next parties to negotiate and create a good atmosphere. In the long run it will help ease regional tensions and maintain regional stability.

A solution that is acceptable to all parties is a fundamentally sustainable solution. China is willing to continue to strengthen communication and coordination with relevant parties including India and properly handle this issue. China will continue to communicate and coordinate with relevant parties in a constructive and responsible manner and properly handle this issue.