KP Chair: We Will Relentlessly Pursue Agreement on Zimbabwe Diamond Exports

Hirsch (left, with Minister Ben Eliezer and WDC President Izhakoff) succeeded in advancing KP reforms

(IDEX Online News) - “We are committed to reach a consensus that will enable Zimbabwe to restore its diamond exports within the KP framework,” says Kimberley Process Chair Boaz Hirsch, after the KP Plenary Meeting last week ended without reaching an agreement on Zimbabwe’s diamond exports from the Marange area.

According to Hirsch, “Despite rigorous negotiations, regrettably the KP members were not able to bridge the gaps among them.” He added that achieving a consensus is a “formidable task,” that lies at the heart of the KP. “We will relentlessly continue pursuing an agreement.”

As previously reported by IDEX Online, the failure was not for lack of trying. The sides were close to reaching an agreement, but were blocked by Canada and Australia.

The stalemate followed considerable differing views by members of the KP review mission to Zimbabwe. The team was to provide the Plenary with a report that details the situation on the ground and make recommendations.

The 8th annual Plenary Meeting of the KP held in Jerusalem was attended by hundreds of delegates representing more than 70 countries, as well as human rights organizations and diamond industry groups. All acknowledge the need for KP to continue evolving.

Accordingly, the Plenary adopted initiatives designed to streamline its operations. They include a commitment to enhance the cooperation between the KP and the World Customs Organization (WCO) in an effort to fight smuggling of conflict diamonds.

Additionally, in order to resolve disputes concerning shipments of non-conflict diamonds, a sub-working group on trade facilitation conferred with the authority to advice on the resolution of such disputes was created. Finally, the Plenary decided to establish an ad-hoc committee tasked with the responsibility to explore measures of enhanced technical support to the KP Chair aimed at facilitating his day-to-day administrative needs. 

“All KP participants have recognized that in order for the Process to be able to handle the ever-growing challenges on its doorstep, certain reforms must be implemented. I consider the decisions adopted by the Plenary concerning these issues to be a significant step in the right direction,” Hirsch said.

The Democratic Republic of Congo will chair KP in 2011.