AWDC, WFDB welcome the KP agreement at Kinshasa

Note that it will enable stability in the diamond supply pipeline and reiterate the efficacy of KP
AWDC, WFDB welcome the KP agreement at Kinshasa

The recent agreement at the KP Plenary meeting in Kinshasa, to allow exports of diamonds from two KP compliant mines from the Marange region of Zimbabwe and further to permit other mining regions for rough diamond exports based on the verification by the KP Monitoring team, has received praise from the major global trade bodies . The World Federation of Diamond Bourses (WFDB) President Avi Paz voiced the WFDB's hope that the decision will enable a period of stability for members of the diamond supply pipeline. "It is of utmost importance that all players in the pipeline support this resolution, regardless of their criticism of it. We must all understand that the alternative, which is disassociation and rejection, would create havoc. That would negatively impact not only the lives of the Zimbabwean people, but also of millions of others worldwide who depend on the diamond industry for their livelihoods.” However, the WFDB president warned that to uphold the integrity of the KP, "All parties now will have to step up to the plate and make sure they respect the agreement in full”. This is an opportunity not to be missed," Paz added. Paz congratulated Obert Mpofu, Zimbabwe's Minister of Mines and Mining Development, Mathieu Yamba, the chair of the Kimberley Process, and Eli Izhakoff, the president of the World Diamond Council, for their belief and determination in pursuing the agreement reached in Kinshasa.

Ari Epstein, CEO of the Antwerp World Diamond Centre (AWDC) congratulated this ‘milestone’ decision saying, “After two years this agreement on the Marange region was reached through patience, perseverance, hope and trust from all the KP members. The extreme important contributions of the KP chair, Mathieu Yamba and of the European Union to reach this agreement were very significant. I would like to extend my gratitude to all KP participants and WDC to facilitate this important decision”, says Ari Epstein, CEO of the Antwerp World Diamond Centre (AWDC). He added that the “The agreement doesn’t only mean stability, it also proves once again that the Kimberley Process is the only framework that really works. AWDC always protected the KP very thoroughly through its Diamond Office, and will continue to do so in the future.”


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