WDC Board reiterates support for KP reform and expanded conflict diamond definition

The newly elected WDC Board of Directors held its first meeting on July 24, and expressed the organization's strong support for the reform of the Kimberley Process and for the KP Chair's expanded definition for conflict diamonds, as was proposed at the World Diamond Council Annual Meeting in Vicenza, Italy, on May 14, according to press release e-mailed to Rough&Polished.
"The WDC board applauded the two-year collaboration agreement between the United States and South Africa, and we believe that it provides an opportunity for real progress," WDC President Mr. Izhakoff said.  "We urge the governments of the other KP member countries to join in this spirit of cooperation, in order to institute the reforms that the Kimberley Process so urgently needs, including the establishment of a permanent Administrative Support Mechanism, the implementation of a more rigorous peer review system and improved information exchange with international law enforcement agencies."
"The board affirmed the resolution of the WDC General Assembly in Vicenza that the proposal made by KP Chair Ambassador Gillian Milovanovic, according to which the term conflict diamonds would be amended to cover 'rough diamonds used to finance, or otherwise directly related to, armed conflict or other situations of violence,' is a good basis for moving forward the discussion on an expanded definition. We also hope to see progress in this respect, and call on all KP participants to engage in a constructive discussion so that the issue may be resolved."

Tatiana Alexandrova, Rough&Polished, Moscow