New Delhi: In words that would be encouraging for India, Chinese ambassador Luo Zhaohui on Sunday expressed confidence that the issue regarding the proposal for listing at the UN Security Council of (Pakistan-based JeM chief) Masood Azhar as a global terrorist would be “resolved”, adding that China had “only” placed a technical hold and that there would be further consultations.
It may be recalled that China had last week placed a technical hold on the proposal at the UNSC that had been moved by France, the US and Britain. It may also be recalled that the proposal was backed by 14 out of 15 UN Security Council members. China was the only country that did not back the proposal, much to India’s “disappointment”.
“Regarding the Masood (Azhar) case, we understand and believe this matter, the concern from your side, we understand that, we are optimistic and quite sure this matter will be resolved,” the ambassador said.
“This is only a technical hold and that means there is time for continued consultations. It will be resolved, believe me,” the ambassador said at an event at the Chinese embassy here to celebrate Holi.
The envoy added after the Wuhan summit (between Chinese President Xi Jinping and Prime Minister Narendra Modi last year), Sino-Indian cooperation was on the “fast track” and the Chinese side was “fully satisfied” with this progress. His remark on the Azhar issue that “it was only a technical hold” placed by his country is being seen as significant and could be viewed with some hope by India.
Despite being disappointed over China’s persistent blocking of UN Security Council resolutions to designate Pakistan-based terrorist Masood Azhar as a global terrorist, government sources said on Saturday that India would “show patience” and be prepared for the long haul.
