How Antwerp is struggling with ‘blood diamonds’ from Russia

(ruetir.com) - According to Merket, who conducts research on behalf of IPIS and the University of Ghent into conflicts in places where natural resources are in the ground, the global diamond world should work together to ban Russian diamonds. “With the US you have the largest consumer market in the world that is turning its back on Russia. If Antwerp participates, you complicate that part as well. Together you have to increase the pressure on India and Dubai. Only then can you have an impact. Belgium always presents itself as a leader for ethical diamonds in the world. Then I think it is now up to the Belgians to proactively set up coordination.” However, the chance of international cooperation being achieved is small. The World Diamond Council (WDC), the organization that represents the industry at the Kimberley Process, does not intend to call for a boycott of Russian diamonds, says Dutch President Edward Asscher. “Then you would run the risk of being accused of cartel formation by Russia. It would mean that we could be held liable for damage suffered by Alrosa. Moreover, a country like India, also a member of the WDC, will never agree.”