KPCS wants Zim diamond ban

2009-07-30 13:18

Johannesburg - The Kimberly Process Certification Scheme (KPCS) wants Zimbabwe to be suspended from importing or exporting rough diamonds for at least six months, the Herald reported on Thursday.

"An interim report by the KP team has recommended Zimbabwe to stop diamond trade within the KPCS until the country meets minimum standards," the newspaper said.

A Kimberley Process (KP) team recently visited Zimbabwe to investigate allegations of non-compliance.

"Government has acknowledged non-compliance with the KP minimum standards in its July 14 response but was silent on voluntary suspension," the newspaper said.

The Kimberley team recommended "initiation of procedure to implement suspension of Zimbabwe from importing or exporting of rough diamonds within the KPCS for a period of at least six months, but until such time as a KP team determines that minimum standards have been met".

Last week, Finance Minister Tendai Biti pleaded with the organisation to give Zimbabwe a chance to correct its wrongs before taking action, the Herald said.

Gradual approach

Government, according to the report, was willing to comply with a "gradual approach to the demilitarisation" of the diamond fields.

The report noted suspension of diamond trade would ensure effective security systems and internal control measures were in place in a manner that indicated Zimbabwe’s control and authority over the Marange fields.

"It has been noted that lack of security around the diamonds fields in Marange areas had led to illegal mining and processing activities," the Herald said.

It quoted Mines and Mining Development Minister Obert Mpofu as saying the Zimbabwe government would deal with the matter when the final report was complete.

The Kimberley Process, which monitors trade in conflict-free diamonds, was expected to present its final report to the government "soon", the Herald added.

- SAPA