Republic of Congo readmitted into KP

After being expelled from the Kimberley Process (KP) in 2004, The Congo Republic has now been readmitted into the KP; after convincing experts that it has tightened controls on "blood diamonds"; according to a Reuters’ report. The Congo Republic was outcast from the KP as it could not account for its exports exceeding its estimated output by more than 100 times. It was believed that the Congo Republic was used as a conduit for diamonds mined in the larger Democratic Republic of Congo, scene of a war in 1998-2003 that was funded in part by illicit gems.

A statement declaring that Congo Republic was included, was issued after a four-day meeting in Brussels. The move could also see the UN Security Council ending a trading embargo against the Congo Republic. Accordign to KP chairman Karel Kovanda Ivory Coast, which would be the last country subject to such an embargo, could be readmitted post this year's ceasefire in its civil war.

The meeting approved a declaration to employ internal controls by states with rough diamond trading and manufacturing sectors. KP supporters are of the view that the share of conflict diamonds is now less than 1% of the overall world trade of diamonds, as compared to the earlier peak of 15%.