U.N. Extends Liberia Diamond Sanctions

The United Nations Security Council has decided Friday to extend the ban on Liberian diamond exports until December 20, 2006 following a briefing by Ambassador Ellen Loj, Chairman of the sanctions committee. A ban on timber exports was removed.

The Security Council voiced approval of steps Liberia has taken towards meeting the requirements for lifting the ban on diamonds, but noted the interim findings of the Panel of Experts that more needs to be done for Liberia to establish a Certificate of Origin Regime for export of Liberian rough diamonds.

Members of the Security Council urged the Liberian Government to accelerate the implementation of the necessary reform measures, including stronger management and effective verification and accountability mechanisms, so that Liberia can soon join the Kimberley Process.

They expressed their wish to lift the ban on diamonds as soon as possible, so that revenues from the diamond sector can benefit the Liberian people. The Panel of Experts will submit its final report in December.

The Security Council imposed arms and diamond embargoes on Liberia in May 2001, two years before the end of a 14-year civil war there.

While extending the ban on rough diamond exports, members of the Security Council commended the Liberian legislature for passing legislation that will ensure a transparent, accountable and Government-controlled forestry sector.

Calling the forestry legislation “important”, the Security Council said it will ensure that revenues from the timber industry will not fuel conflict again. The council urged the Government of Liberia to bring the law into effect by publishing the required handbills as soon as possible.

Liberian President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf has been urging the Security Council to lift the sanctions for the benefit of the country’s economy.