Rough diamonds fr om Côte d' Ivoire are assumed to illegally flow into the global market, despite the embargo introduced in 2005. Rough supplies are carried out under the auspices of senior military officials.
Several European media reported that the above statement was made by UN experts charged with checking and verification of effectiveness of the embargo.
According to experts, diamonds mined in northern part of Côte d' Ivoire are exported to the neighboring countries through a dealers’ network. Diamond purchases are paid exclusively by cash, and the money is supposedly directed to purchase weapons.
UN experts say that rough diamonds are partially "exported" directly through the airport in Abidjan, wh ere police and customs officers are bribed.
UN experts published their findings at the time when Côte d' Ivoire was preparing to join the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme, what would enable the African country to resume rough diamonds exports.
According to the data by European Union, annual diamond production in Ivory Coast ranges from 50,000 to 300,000 carats.
Alex Shishlo, Editor in Chief of the European Bureau, Rough&Polished
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