Joint mission with UK and USA will negotiate structural solution next week

Antwerp, 6 July 2000 - By Resolution 1306 (2000) of 05.07.00, the UN Security Council installs a conditional embargo against diamonds from Sierra Leone. Only rough diamonds controlled by the legitimate Government through a certificate of origin shall be exempt from the embargo. The Resolution refers to the system of certification that has been worked out by the Diamond High Council (HRD) together with the Government of Angola. It invites the HRD to work together with the Government of Sierra Leona to the same end. On 13 July, a joint mission of HRD, Belgium, the UK and the USA will try to agree with Sierra Leone upon this certification regime.

The HRD started on 7 April 2000 negotiations with the Government of Sierra Leone on the establishment of a certification system and an efficient export structure in Freetown. Two weeks ago, a HRD delegation could discuss the matter with President KABBAH in Sierra Leone.

On the invitation of the UK Foreign Office and the US State Department, the HRD will try to concretise the earlier discussions in a joint mission next week.

The HRD supports the embargo that at the same time provides structural solutions for the future so the revenues from diamond industry can be invested by the legal Government in favour of the local population.

The HRD offers its expertise to enlarge the system of certification to other African countries in conflict regions.

One percent of the world production comes from Sierra Leone. Imports from Sierra Leone into Antwerp are in free fall since 1997. In May 2000, they represented a value of 400.000 USD, which is 0,025% of the total imports for that month. Nevertheless, Antwerp is eager to contribute in an active way to find a solution.