Strong Support for KP Conflict Diamond Reforms, says Asscher
June 27, 22
(IDEX Online) - Edward Asscher, president of the World Diamond Council (WDC), said there was "strong support" for reforms at the Kimberley Process's intersessional meeting, despite its failure to address the redefinition of conflict diamonds.
"This year, throughout our engagements with many government participants here in Kasane (Botswana), there seems to be strong support for further reforms, including that of the 'conflict diamond' definition," he told the closing session of the annual five-day conference.
He said the WDC was asking for it be on the agenda when KP members gather again five months from now, in November.
Moves by Western nations to consider a broader definition of conflict diamonds - which could include state actors - were thwarted by Russia and others.
The KP Civil Society Coalition (KPCSC), the umbrella organization that oversees KP activities, says the KP of being "no longer fit for purpose".
Edward Asscher addresses the closing session of the Kimberley Process's intersessional meeting in Kasane, Botswana, on June 24.