'Zim in line with KP process'

2009-11-04 12:01

Special Report

Zim poll delay 'won't bring real change'

Civil society groups in Zimbabwe say election delay would do little to dissuade President Robert Mugabe's supporters from voter intimidation.

Harare - Zimbabwe has made progress in complying with the requirements of a diamond watchdog body, a state daily reported Wednesday as the Kimberley Process retreats in Namibia.

"We strongly believe that as a country, we have done all in complying with the requirements of the process," Mines Minister Obert Mpofu was quoted as saying by The Herald at Kimberley Process annual meeting.

His remarks came as civil society groups, which are part of the process, are demanding the suspension of Zimbabwe's international diamond trade, after a Kimberley team documented "horrific" abuses by the army against civilians in the eastern Marange diamond fields in July.

Mpofu said the situation in the vast diamond fields was rapidly changing as the government had engaged two investors to exploit the alluvial gems, adding that Zimbabwe had yet to receive promised 'technical support' from the KP.

Blood diamonds

"The government has engaged two investors to work in partnership with the ZMDC (Zimbabwe Mining Development Corporation) in the exploitation of Marange diamonds," Mpofu said.

"Security has been erected around the plant and mining areas. Double fencing is being used with electric fence forming integral part of the fencing system."

The Kimberley Process, named after a South African mining town, was created in 2003 with the aim of curbing the flow of "blood diamonds" into the mainstream market.

About 70 diamond-producing countries, industry groups and civil society organisations form part of the Kimberley Process, which is meant to stop diamond sales from benefitting armed groups.

- AFP

Read more on: kimberley process | obert mpofu | zimbabwe | southern africa | diamonds

NEXT ON NEWS24X

Zim poll delay 'won't bring real change'

2013-06-19 14:04

Inside News24

'Standing man' joins icons

Turkey's 'standing man' has joined the ranks of history's iconic symbols.
World's Best Airlines

You prefer these airlines, according to the Skytrax Airline Awards.
SA's drugs of choice

One in 10 South Africans has an addiction problem.
Best and Worst: Emmy's

Here's are the good, the bad and the ugly.
Caption This! and win

We have our 1st winner! 3 more prizes up for grabs.
VIDEO: 246kW Seat Leon

The Leon Cup Racer was built for quick laps and track performance.
Take a selfie like a celeb

Ever taken a selfie? Take some tips from these celebs.
We're a filthy lot

When it comes to personal hygiene, we humans are a filthy lot.

Settings

Location Settings

News24 allows you to edit the display of certain components based on a location. If you wish to personalise the page based on your preferences, please select a location for each component and click "Submit" in order for the changes to take affect.

Friday	13-19°c	Showers late. Morning clouds. Mild.
Saturday	12-17°c	Morning clouds. Cool.
Sunday	12-19°c	Sunny. Mild.
Monday	12-16°c	Showers late. Mostly cloudy. Cool.
Tuesday	13-16°c	Passing showers. Mostly cloudy. Cool.
Wednesday	12-17°c	More sun than clouds. Mild.

More weather from Weather24 >

Thursday 13-18°C

'Zim in line with KP process'

Special Report

Other Stories in Zimbabwe...

Inside News24

Welcome to News24

News in your area

Travel - Look, Book, Go!

Kalahari.com - shop online today

Sponsored links

I'm shopping for:

services

Hello

Create Profile

Please provide a username for your profile page:

Hello

Choose a display name:

Edit your avatar:

Tell us a bit about yourself:

Saving your profile

Settings

Saving your settings

Facebook Sign-In