Panama attends its first Kimberley Process meeting

For the very first time, a Panamanian Ambassador was a participant at the Sixth Annual Meeting of the Kimberley Process (KP), which exemplifies dedicated efforts of the Republic of Panama to enable the Panama Diamond Exchange (PDE) to become the primary diamond trading center in Latin America. The KP meeting took place recently in New Delhi, India, between November 3-6, 2008.

Alberto Pinzón, the Panamanian Ambassador to New Delhi, communicated his government's commitment to upholding the principles of the Kimberley Process, in his interactions with the representatives of the other KP member governments, international organisations and leaders of the diamond industry.

Participation of Alberto Pinzón comes on the heels of the launch in Panama City in October of a $200 million project, which will result in a dedicated high-rise complex housing the Panama Diamond Exchange and serve as the headquarters of the diamond, coloured gemstone and jewellery trades in all of Latin America. In May, the Panama Diamond Exchange was accepted as first and only Latin American member of the World Federation of Diamond Bourses.

The presence of Panama at the event will be a critical stage in its attaining of Kimberley Process membership. So far there are 75 members countries participating in the Kimberley Process. The Kimberley Process is endorsed by the United Nations Security Council and is a joint effort by governments, industry and civil society to stem the flow into the pipeline of conflict diamonds, which are rough diamonds used by rebel movements to finance wars against legitimate governments, mainly in Africa.