KP Chair issues notice on developments on Marange diamonds

The Kimberley Process Chair issued a notice recently, replacing the previous notice issued on May 6, 2010. The notice informed that as per the information passed on to all Kimberley Process (KP) Participants, and stated in the Draft Communiqué, circulated to all participants on November 12th, 2010, the Plenary failed to reach an agreement on KPCS arrangement for diamonds from the Marange area (Zimbabwe). “Consultations are ongoing and I am confident that we will find a consensual way forward which recognises the progress made by Zimbabwe in terms of compliance with KP requirements, whilst offering sufficient reassurance that there would continue to be progress in all areas under the Joint Work Plan, so that we can eventually bring the whole of Marange – and indeed Zimbabwe as a Participant – into full KP compliance”, the KP Chair said.

Also, all Participants are asked to remain vigilant and ensure respect towards terms of the Joint Work Plan and Saint Petersburg agreement. “As a consequence, no trade of Marange diamonds can currently take place under the Joint Work Plan until an agreement can be found”. Also, participants are required “to notify the WGM chair in the event of receipt of an irregular shipment of Marange diamonds, until new arrangements are agreed that will allow continued implementation of the Joint Work Plan, including the supervised export mechanism.” The notice concluded on the note, “I very much count on your support and will keep you informed of developments”.