France sanctions JeM founder Masood Azhar, freezes his assets

[Kool_SRG]

 

Paris also plans to put him on European Union terror list.

Days after pledging to designate Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Masood Azhar as a global terrorist at the United Nations, France has sanctioned him and frozen his assets on its soil.

A statement from the Government of France cited the terror attack at Pulwamaon February 14 that killed more than 40 CRPF personnel, saying the JeM had claimed responsibility for the attack.

Pulwama terror attack 2019

“France has decided to sanction Masood Azhar at the national level by freezing his assets in application of the Monetary and Financial Code. A joint decree of the Ministries of the Interior, and Economy and Finance was published today in the Official Gazette,” said a press statement from the Government of France that was also placed on social media by the French Ambassador to India.

Apart from creating hurdles for financial transactions, the sanction from France will also help in stopping travel by Azhar and his known followers.

Support to India in fighting terror

The statement reiterated French support to India’s fight against terrorism. France had extended support to India’s international campaign to ban Azhar as a terrorist, who threatens global peace and safety.

“We will raise this issue with our European partners with a view to including Masood Azhar on the European Union list of persons, groups and entities involved in terrorist acts, based on this decree,” the press statement said.

France’s action is expected to put more pressure on Pakistan to act against the terror groups based in its territory. India has been demanding tough verifiable action against the terror groups and individuals like Azhar.

[Kool_SRG]

[JANASENA]

                                                      

[Kool_SRG]

France freezes assets of Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Masood Azhar

After freezing assets of Jaish's Masood Azhar, France said it will discuss putting Masood Azhar on a European Union list of people suspected of being involved in terrorism.

HIGHLIGHTS

• France says will approach EU to designate Masood Azhar as global terrorist
• France says it has always been and will be by India’s side in the fight against terrorism
• China has blocked the move to ban Jaish chief Masood Azhar

 

France has decided to freeze the assets of Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) founder and leader Masood Azhar, the French government said on Friday.

In a joint statement issued by the French interior ministry, finance ministry and foreign ministry said they will discuss putting Masood Azhar on a European Union list of people suspected of being involved in terrorism.

 

"A deadly attack took place in Pulwama on 14th February 2019, claiming over 40 victims from the Indian police forces. The Jaish-e-Mohammed, which the United Nations has deemed to be a terrorist organization since 2001, has claimed responsibility for this attack, the French statement said.

It added, France has decided to sanction Masood Azhar at the national level by freezing his assets in application of the Monetary and Financial Code."

The statement said France has always been and always will be by India’s side in the fight against terrorism.

The France government said they will raise this issue with other European partners with a view to including Masood Azhar on the European Union list of persons, groups and entities involved in terrorist acts, based on this decree.

Earlier this week, China had exercised its veto for the fourth time since the 2016 Pathankot terror attack, to place a hold on the move to ban Jaish chief Masood Azhar. It was an attempt to list him as a "global terrorist".

Despite hectic diplomatic engagement by India and the United States, China sided with its "all-weather friend" Pakistan.

The initial proposal to designate Masood Azhar was moved by the US, UK, and France after JeM claimed responsibility for the Pulwama terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir.

In an unprecedented move, this time around 11 countries co-sponsored the move.

Sources told India Today TV that seven were member states from the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), which included four of the five permanent members (P5)- barring China and all the European nations in the Security Council. The other four were prominent nations from outside of the Security Council.

India had expressed "disappointment" over China's move. "We are disappointed by this outcome. This has prevented action by the international community to designate the leader of Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), a proscribed and active terrorist organization which has claimed responsibility for the terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir on 14 February 2019", said the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) in a statement.

Explaining the play of China and Pakistan and that on international issues they remain on the same page, sources told India Today TV: "China is an extended arm of Pakistan on international issues. It just shows the depth of their so-called iron-clad brotherhood."

India also thanked all those countries that came out in support of India and denounced terrorism.

"We are grateful for the efforts of the Member States who moved the designation proposal and the unprecedented number of all other Security Council members as well as non-members who joined as co-sponsors", the MEA said.

[Mitron]

Veediki France lo assets endhi 🤔

[JANASENA]

I'm pretty much sure that might there be a plan being cooked backend to get this bastard out of his comfort zone like the one you yes did.