WFDB asks KP members to reach decision on diamond exports from Zimbabwe

The World Federation of Diamond Bourses (WFDB) called on the members of the Kimberley Process to resolve their internal disagreements on the issue of rough diamond exports from Zimbabwe, and without any further delay take the essential and courageous decision to allow Zimbabwe to export rough diamonds from all diamond mining areas in the country, including Marange.

"The KP, due to the deadlock in its decision-making process and its experts' ensuing indecision to allow rough diamond exports from Zimbabwe to resume, is about to cause irreparable damage throughout the entire to supply pipeline of our industry and trade, and threatens the livelihood of literally millions of people throughout the international diamond and jewellery sector " said WFDB President Avi Paz.

Paz emphasized that by perpetuating the current impasse in its decision making, the KP bears direct responsibility, not only for the reputational damage done to the diamond and jewellery sector, but also for a significant part of the economic hardship that continues to befall the people of Zimbabwe. "While the diamond industry and trade is in a position to contribute to the betterment of many Zimbabwean citizens, the inaction of the KP, its members and its experts is now the major stumbling block toward real progress. In addition, if the KP remains indecisive on ZIM, there is a real danger that the relevance of the KP itself will be at stake," the WFDB president said.

Meanwhile, the WFDB president stressed that along with its strong statement, it had instructed all members of the WFDB to continue to follow the KP's and the WFDB's clear directives not to trade in rough diamonds without the proper KP certification.

"The KP members and experts need to come and face reality and resolve the ZIM issue once and for all. I urge them to do so soonest," Paz stated.