December 24, 2008	Wednesday	Zilhaj 25, 1429

ISLAMABAD, Dec 23: By implementing UN’s Security Council Resolution 1267, Pakistan has fulfilled its international obligations as a responsible UN member.

Commenting on reports in a section of local media regarding Pakistan-China relations and the listing of Jamaatud Dawa (JUD) under the UNSC resolution, a Foreign Office statement said that action against JUD and some individuals had been taken following their designation by the UN Sanctions Committee on the consolidated list of individuals and entities associated with Al Qaeda and Taliban.

The request for enlisting the JUD had been under consideration of the UN Sanctions Committee since 2006. The committee was able to evolve a consensus on the pending request and on December 10 the JUD was enlisted on the consolidated list under Resolution 1267.

Since this resolution was adopted under Chapter VII of the UN Charter, the statement said, it was obligatory on Pakistan to fully implement its provisions.

As for relations with China, the statement said, the government had not only continued the policy of close consultations and coordination between Beijing and Islamabad but also taken several concrete steps to develop it into a comprehensive strategic partnership.

President Asif Ali Zardari paid a state visit to China during which 12 agreements and memorandums of understanding (MoUs) were signed covering several projects of strategic and economic interest.

Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani also paid a goodwill visit to China and announced establishment of the Pakistan-China Culture and Friendship Centre in Beijing.—APP