Global Witness Says KP Faces First Real Test In CAR
March 19, 03
In the wake of the coup in the Central African Republic (CAR) this week Global Witness called on the Chair of the Kimberley Process to temporarily suspend the country's participation in the Kimberley Process.
The NGO says "the continued participation of CAR in this process will seriously undermine efforts to curb the trade in conflict diamonds".
Sunday morning, forces loyal to former General Francois Bozize took over the capital city of Bangui while President Patasse was out of the country, and since then all diamond trading and exports have been halted.
"Since rebels have seized power and overthrown a legitimate government, the Central African Republic is now in violation of the Kimberley Process and should be banned from trading in diamonds until constitutional rule is re-established," said Global Witness spokeswoman Corinna Gilfillan.
It should be noted that until the Chair of the Kimberley Process, Abby Chikane, instructs so, or the UN declares the new government as illegal, member countries could still receive rough from CAR as long as shipments are accompanied with a valid KP certificate.