GJEPC disappointed over disagreement at Kinshasa

On behalf of the Gems & Jewellery Export Promotion Council, Mr. Rajiv Jain, Chairman, (GJEPC) expressed disappointment at ‘the disagreement between the consuming countries and African producers at KP Intersessional at Kinshasa’. He stated that this failed attempt to resolve the Marange issue, would affect the ‘livelihood of millions in India who are involved with the diamond industry in different capacities’.

"We decry the divisions that are stopping the rightful exports from compliant mines in Marange of Zimbabwe. The politicisation of the process is demeaning the good efforts of the industry in forging an effective alliance and creating a mechanism against conflict diamonds in today’s world. Being one of the founders of KP, we will not allow these happenings to stop the rightful means of African people to earn their own resources", he added.

Despite this disappointment, Mr. Jain reaffirmed the Indian G&J industry's faith in the KP, saying “India remains committed to compliance with Kimberly Process and the continuance of the system with all its checks and balances in accordance to the directives and decision taken by KP”, but alongside urged that "good counsel should prevail amongst all the members and they come at a common position to move forward on treatment of the situation at Marange”.