Izhakoff: Compliance with KP and SoW Is Not Optional

In a letter to members of the World Diamond Council (WDC), chairman and CEO Eli Izhakoff reminded members that while a challenging year is now ending, the challenges of the future, including the smuggling of diamonds out of the Ivory Coast, still need to be resolved.

“Together, we have demonstrated that we are sincere in our determination to work with governments, the international community and civil society to strengthen the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme and the System of Warranties,” Izhakoff wrote to WDC members.

“The highlight of the year was the successful conclusion of the Kimberley Process Plenary in Gaborone, Botswana. The lead up to the Plenary was hardly auspicious, with – amongst other things – the three-year review of the Kimberley Process coming to a conclusion, with more than 80 of its recommendations having failed to gain consensus and reports of the smuggling of diamonds into Ghana from Ivory Coast.”

He went on to warn that, “Looking forward to 2007, media scrutiny will continue into the New Year, as The Blood Diamond is released around the world. The NGOs will continue to challenge and judge us and we must not be found wanting. We must continue to drive the message home to all our constituents that compliance with the Kimberley Process and the System of Warranties is not optional. We must also continue to demonstrate that diamonds are a force for good and carry out our business in a way that ensures they are. “

Izhakoff said that as the European Community (EC), represented by Karel Kovanda, assumes the chair of the Kimberley Process, it will be faced with “many challenges (…) including the review of the situation in Ghana, the resolution of irregularities in South America and recent reports of smuggling in Zimbabwe.” 

Izhakoff said the WDC is resolute in demanding swift and effective action by the KP Chair and governments on those issues. “We must continue to work together, not just to eradicate the trade in conflict diamonds today, but to ensure that diamonds are never again vulnerable to such abuse in the future.”

He concluded his letter saying it is the diamond industry’s responsibility to do everything to reflect the highest human values, such as love and commitment, “through our actions and the way we conduct our business.”