India Decries KP Impasse on Zimbabwe

(IDEX Online News) – India has decried the failure of the Kimberley Process (KP) to formulate an agreement on the export of diamonds from Zimbabwe’s Marange diamond fields.

A statement from Rajiv Jain, Chairman of India’s Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC), said, “The GJEPC is deeply disheartened by the disagreement in position between the consuming countries and African producers at the KP intersessional meeting at Kinshasa.

"The decision affects the livelihood of millions in India who are involved with the diamond industry in different capacities. We decry the divisions that are stopping the rightful exports from compliant mines in the Marange region of Zimbabwe."

The statement went on to note, “India remains committed to compliance with Kimberly Process and the continuance of the system with all its checks and balances. We urge that good counsel prevail amongst all members and that they arrive at a common position to move forward on Marange.”