WFDB Executive Committee Calls on Kimberley Process to Expedite Release of Report and Recommendations about Zimbabwe

The Executive Committee of the World Federation of Diamond Bourses (WFDB) has called upon the Kimberley Process to release its much-anticipated report and recommendations about the Zimbabwe diamond mining sector as soon as possible. The WFDB Executive Committee met at the London Diamond Bourse on Monday, September 7, 2009.

A Kimberley Process Review team visited Zimbabwe in August, during it which it met with senior government and mining officials, and visited the Marange diamond fields, where there have been reports of human rights violations and illegal diamond mining and trading activities.

“We have been following the situation in Zimbabwe with considerable concern,” said WFDB President Avi Paz on behalf of the Executive Committee, “and we discussed the situation in the country at length. We fully support the efforts of the Kimberley Process to arrive at situation that first and foremost defends the safety and well being of Zimbabwe citizens living in those areas where diamonds are located, and at the same time abides by the principle that their long-term economic and social welfare will be best served by the proper and ethical use of Zimbabwe’s diamond resources.”

“Given the uncertainty that currently exists regarding the situation in Zimbabwe, we call upon the Kimberley Process to expedite the release of its report and recommendations. The WFDB will do all that it can to support the efforts of the Kimberley Process to bring about a successful resolution of the situation,” said the WFDB president.

Related posts:

1. Kimberley Process Zimbabwe Review Mission Final Report’s Recommendations
2. World Diamond Council Calls for Increased Efforts by Kimberley Process Participants to Achieve Full Compliance in Zimbabwe
3. World Diamond Council Calls for Decisive Action Concerning Zimbabwe’s Participation in the Kimberley Process
4. Civil Society Calls for Kimberley Process Action Over Zimbabwe
5. Liberian Presidential Task Force on Diamonds Examining how to Implement Recommendations from Kimberley Process Review Mission Report