NGO Calls to Expel Venezuela from Kimberley Process
October 09, 07
Non-Governmental Organization Global Witness called on the Chair of the Kimberley Process (KP) Tuesday to expel Venezuela from the Process for “flagrant” non-compliance, warning that failure to do so could compromise the entire scheme.
A 2006 report by Partnership Africa Canada (PAC) revealed that millions of dollars worth of Venezuelan diamonds have been illicitly mined and smuggled into neighboring Guyana and Brazil, entering the legitimate trade.
Venezuela, according to Global Witness, has also failed in its obligation to provide the KP with an annual report and credible statistics this year.
“Nearly one year after clear evidence of massive diamond smuggling in Venezuela came to light, the country continues to flout the KP,” said Charmian Gooch, Director of Global Witness.
The NGO is not alone in its opinion of Venezuela. According to Eli Izhakoff, president of the World Diamond Council (WDC), the South American country was warned a number of times in recent months. “They were given ample opportunity to comply and have not done so,” Izhakoff told IDEX Online. “Hopefully this Friday a firm decision will be adopted.”
On Friday, the KP participating committee is scheduled to discuss this issue. While there seems to be wide support for Venezuela’s removal from the system, some member countries are expressing interest in giving it some extra time to comply.
Izhakoff hopes that “a firm decision” will be adopted at the meeting.
Last year the UN reported that $23 million of conflict diamonds were smuggled out of Côte d’Ivoire (Ivory Coast). According to recent reports, this trade continues, and traders in Dubai were in possession of large quantities of uncertified rough diamonds of African origin, Global Witness said in a release.
Gooch blamed loopholes in the trading and manufacturing centers for allowing illicit diamonds to enter the legitimate diamond market.
He called on governments to enforce their KP controls, including through regular spot checks to verify industry compliance. “The international diamond industry also needs to live up to its promise of self-regulation to combat the trade in conflict diamonds,” Gooch added.