BELGIAN LICENSING SYSTEM ALLOWS SWIFT ACTION

Antwerp, 7 May 2001 - The Belgian Ministry of Economy does not deliver anymore import licences for diamonds coming from Liberia since 7 May 2001, the day the United Nations embargo became effective.

The embargo became effective after UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan received reports that Liberia had not met a key condition demanded by the Security Council to avoid sanctions severing its ties with RUF rebels in Sierra Leone.

In Belgium, diamonds can only be imported or exported after the authorities deliver a license. That way, international embargoes are immediately implemented.

Liberia has a tradition being the trading place for all kinds of goods in Western Africa. As a consequence, exports exceeded the local production.

Belgian imports of rough diamonds from Liberia are decreasing since 1997. They are in free fall since the reports on connections with the RUF.