Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan Designated for Sanctions
UK鈥檚 Ambassador to UN comments on Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan Sanctions
Following the designation for sanctions of Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP - often known as the Pakistani Taliban) under UN Security Council鈥檚 Al-Qa鈥檌da sanctions regime today (28 July), the UK鈥檚 Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Sir Mark Lyall Grant, commented:
鈥淭he United Kingdom welcomes the Committee鈥檚 decision to designate the TTP today, with the support of Pakistan. It sends a powerful signal of the international community鈥檚 solidarity and resolve in the fight against the TTP and international terrorism.
鈥淭TP has conducted multiple terrorist attacks across Pakistan, and was also responsible for the attempted bombing of Times Square in New York City in May 2010. It has clear links to Al Qa鈥檌da at an operational level. Designating TTP under the sanctions regime will help to reduce its ability to operate effectively and perpetrate terrorist attacks.
鈥淲e have made a conscious choice not to seek the wholesale listing of the Afghan Taliban at this time. This is because we want to support the Afghan reconciliation process, as shown by our agreement to delist a number of reconciled Talibs from the UNSCR 1988 sanctions regime on 15 July.
鈥淏ut the Afghan Taliban should heed this message. The window will not be open forever. If the Taliban continue actively to work against the political process, continue attacks on civilians in Afghanistan and Pakistan and UN Security Council-backed international forces, then we will seek the listing of key Taliban leaders, notably on the military side.鈥�