WFDB, AWDC Praise KP Agreement on Marange

(IDEX Online News) – The just reached agreement on exports from two diamond mines in Marange, Zimbabwe is welcomed by the diamond industry. World Federation of Diamond Bourses President Avi Paz has praised Kimberley Process members following their decision.

Paz voiced the WFDB's hope that the decision will enable a period of stability for members of the diamond supply pipeline but warned that this agreement was just the beginning of a long process.

"Zimbabwe has a great role to play in the future of world diamond production," Paz said. "The country's diamond wealth can and must serve as a means to raise the living standards of all its citizens."

"It is of utmost importance that all players in the pipeline support this resolution, regardless of their criticism of it. We must all understand that the alternative, which is disassociation and rejection, would create havoc. That would negatively impact not only the lives of the Zimbabwean people, but also of millions of others worldwide who depend on the diamond industry for their livelihoods," Paz added.

Paz was joined by Antwerp World Diamond Centre CEO Ari Epstein who called the agreement an important milestone. He said the agreement was reached through patience, perseverance, hope and trust.

“The agreement doesn’t only mean stability,” said Epstein, “it also proves once again that the Kimberley Process is the only framework that really works. It protects both the integrity of the rough diamond chain and the benefit of the producing countries. AWDC always protected the KP very thoroughly through its Diamond Office, and will continue to do so in the future.”