WDC pledges to support and improve KP encouraging it to address challenges from business practices

The Mission of the World Diamond Council (WDC) is of course to support and improve the working and impact of the Kimberley Process Certification System (KPCS), said Edward Asscher, President of the World Diamond Council, to Kimberley Process Plenary in Guangzhou, avoiding direct comment on the recent industry "scene" stirred by suspicion WDC wants to go beyond its mandate.
"WDC will promote and stress the correct implementation of the standards around the world. All members should use the same methodology, the same methods with the same discipline, and those involved should have access to the same knowledge base," WDC press statement giving Asscher's full speech and emailed to Rough&Polished goes.
"Another aspect of the mission of the WDC is to encourage the KP to address the various challenges facing the KP arising from business practices that could potentially impact KPCS compliance."
Asscher also touched upon the relationships with other industry bodies, outlining the prospects of cooperation.
"Civil Society and the WDC have the same goals,' he said. "Although we acknowledge that we do not always agree on the best way to achieve those goals, or what issues are relevant for discussion in the effective implementation of the KP. But I am looking forward to working closely with Alan Martin and his team,' Asscher said.
"This week will see an additional role proposed for the Administrative Support Mechanism (ASM). We shall start working on the training aspect of new participants and officials."
As it could be anticipated Asscher spoked on Ebola crisis as well.
"Our thoughts also go out to all those countries with Ebola and the people suffering from it. It is bringing great distress to Africa and I am glad to see that so many countries contribute in fighting the disease."

Anna Georgieva, Rough&Polished