UNITED NATIONS: The United States (US) is pushing to put Masood Azhar onthe United Nations (UN) sanctions blacklist more to boost Indian PrimeMinister Narendra Modi’s electoral chances than the merits of the case,according to several diplomats following the developments at the UN.
“It’s seems the US wants to use this ploy as a gift to Modi as he faceschallenges in his bid for re-election,” a senior diplomat said. Modi, hesaid, had lost on the military front, but the US effort is now aimed atimproving his domestic image on the diplomatic side.
Having failed to list Azhar in the 1267 sanctions Committee, the UScirculated a resolution two days ago among Security Council members amidsta frenzied diplomatic campaign by India at the UN.
Many members of the Security Council believe this rush for a listing hasmore to do with the upcoming Indian election than any other factor as Modifaces an uphill struggle at the ballot box.
One diplomat told APP on the basis of anonymity that the listing has becomean immensely political issue, especially when China has clearly voiced itopposition to the US move.
Even at the consultations convened on Friday by the United States on itsresolution, many Security Council members suggested that the issue shouldbe dealt by the relevant UN body — the 1267 committee — instead in theCouncil.
In Beijing, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Gen Shuang said,”At theUNSC sanctions committee, the practice of putting hold is in line with thestipulations of the committee.”
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He reiterated that China recently put forward a technical hold to aproposal at the sanctions committee with a purpose to conducting acomprehensive and in-depth assessment so as to give enough time and spacefor the dialogue and consultations between the parties.
At the UN on Thursday, Pakistan’s UN Ambassador Maleeha Lodhi also warnedagainst the politicization of the UN’s counter-terrorism machinery, sayingsuch a course would only compromise the integrity of the system.
Ambassador Lodhi has been holding a number of meetings with key diplomatshere to explain Pakistan’s position on the issue.
It is still not clear when the US will bring the resolution to a vote.
