Publication of import and export figures and existing control systems must be first step

Pretoria, 20 September 2000 — The diamond industry has developed systems to prevent conflict diamonds from entering the legitimate market. Governments must now implement a system. The Antwerp Diamond High Council (HRD) asks for immediate transparency on in- and export figures and control systems as a first step.

Representatives of governments and industry from all countries hosting diamond industry are invited by the South African Ministry of Mines to assist to an International Ministerial Diamond Conference from 19 until 21 September in Pretoria. The Conference concludes the process that started earlier this year in Kimberley, where governments and industry work together in order to end the illicit trade of diamonds from conflict areas. The Diamond High Council (HRD), representing the Belgium diamond industry has participated from the first moment in the Kimberley-process.

During the first day of the Conference, the HRD reported on its role as expert for the Government of Sierra Leone in developing a certification scheme and electronic data transmission to the importing country. Earlier, the HRD assisted the Government of Angola in the same way. This system could function as a model for other countries.

The HRD called upon the Governments of countries hosting diamond industry to take the necessary steps in order to implement the proposals of the industry, agreed during the World Diamond Congress in Antwerp, last July. Standardised sealing systems and export procedures must allow to trace the origin of rough diamonds and thereby prevent conflict diamonds from entering into the legitimate trade.

The implementation of such a system will need legislative changes in all countries involved in the diamond industry. Because the goal is ending the conflicts, immediate actions are required. Therefore, it is necessary to have a clear picture of the present situation.

Mark Van Bockstael, HRD’s Director International Affairs said: "Wouldn’t it be a strong signal if the International Ministerial Conference agreed as a first step upon the immediate publication of current import and export figures and control systems in all countries? By doing so, countries that took the lead in the matter such as Canada, the United Kingdom and the United States of America would confirm their vast willingness to tackle the problem."

Today, Belgium is the only country that publishes this information in a detailed way and on a regular basis. The Ministers will come to conclusions during their meeting of tomorrow, 21 September.