WDC Opening Statements focus on Zimbabwe
July 15, 10
 Threats are not the way, said WDC President Izhakoff. From left, WFDB President Paz, KP Chair Hirsch and Izhakoff |
WDC President Eli Izhakoff in his address stressed that the Kimberley Process (KP) coalition of government, business and civil society remains critical for the future of the entire diamond industry and trade.
Izhakoff told attendees that the events of the recent past “have consumed the bulk of our time, as we have struggled in a search for an equitable solution to the sale of diamonds from the Marange region of Zimbabwe.”
Calling the release on bail of Farai Maguwu “a much-needed step in the right direction,” Izhakoff went on to stress that millions of Zimbabweans “are relying on us to succeed, because their futures will depend on revenues generated by the country's diamond deposits. It is essential that a way be found so that diamonds from Marange will legitimately make their way into the pipeline.”
Talking about the past but alluding to the present, Izhakoff said that people understood that the solution to the conflict diamond problem was not in threatening the foundations of a business upon which millions depend, but by finding common cause between government, industry and representatives of the NGO community.
“It's not always easy. It takes sleepless nights in Tel Aviv, mini-summits in St Petersburg, and more meetings and teleconference calls if necessary. But an equitable solution is possible.”
World Federation of Diamond Bourses (WFDB) President Avi Paz said in his address that KP is vital for the industry's future. He stressed that the WFDB has the ability to enforce the KP resolutions.
Paz said he felt very uncomfortable that until now the KP did not accept the special monitor report. “After receiving the report of Mr. Chikane, the KP was obliged to approve the export of rough diamonds from Zimbabwe.”
“NGO's waving slogans about the return of the conflict diamonds is not a responsible thing to do and I call them to refrain from doing so,” Paz added.
CIBJO President Gaetano Cavalieri chose to discuss Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). He said that there are two sides to the CSR coin. One involves the critical role of the WDC, which protects the integrity of the chain of distribution. The other side is engaging in activities that “Improve the prospects for a better life for families and communities in the areas in which we are active.”
“Our industry has chosen CSR as a strategic business alternative,” Cavalieri added.