WFDB: Zimbabwe Diamond Exports Agreement A Convincing KP Victory
July 19, 10The World Federation of Diamond Bourses (WFDB) said the agreement to allow some rough diamond exports from the controversial Marange diamond fields in
The agreement was reached last Thursday, at the 7th Annual Meeting of the World Diamond Council in
"The agreement was the result of persistence and a readiness to continue talking and listening to one another, for as long as it takes," said WFDB President Avi Paz in a release published Monday. Paz was closely involved in the negotiations, the release added.
"It also offers conclusive proof of the effectiveness of the Kimberley Process. For nine months the KP blocked Marange exports, until such time that the country could demonstrate that it was in compliance with KP demands. The Kimberley Process showed that it has real muscle and that it is able to achieve results. The Government of Zimbabwe should also be commended for its flexibility and readiness to find common ground with the KP."
"Just as importantly, the agreement paved the way for the people of