EU Statement - Role of Diamonds in fuelling conflict

Statement by Ms Ditte Juul-Joergensen, European Commission to the United Nations, on behalf of the European Union, United Nations General Assembly Sixtieth Session, Agenda Item 11: The role of diamonds in fuelling conflict: breaking the link between the illicit transaction of rough diamonds and armed conflict as a contribution to prevention and settlement of conflicts, New York

Mr Chairman,

I have the honour to speak on behalf of the European Union. The Acceding Countries Bulgaria and Romania, the Candidate Countries Turkey and Croatia, the Countries of the Stabilisation and Association Process and potential candidates Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Serbia and Montenegro, EFTA country Iceland, member of the European Economic Area, as well as Ukraine align themselves with this declaration.

Mr Chairman,

This annual General Assembly debate on the role of diamonds in fuelling conflict is an important opportunity for us to take stock of the progress made by the international community, through the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme (KPCS), in combating the scourge of conflict diamonds. One year ago, when the General Assembly last considered the issue, the mood was overwhelmingly one of satisfaction at the remarkable achievements of the Kimberley Process, which has developed in a short space of time into a uniquely promising and increasingly effective tool for conflict prevention.

One year on, and almost three years into the existence of the KPCS, the Kimberley Process has taken further important strides in accordance with the objectives set out by this Assembly. There has been significant progress in the implementation of the KPCS by its Participants. The huge increase in official, certified exports from countries previously affected by conflict diamonds, such as Sierra Leone and the Democratic Republic of Congo, bears witness to the profound and positive impact the KP has had on the international diamond trade. Virtually all of the world's rough diamond trade is now conducted within the KPCS, and this means the KP is living up to the goal of inclusiveness set by the General Assembly in past Resolutions.

Moreover, there has been further solid progress in effective monitoring of the Scheme's implementation. We are pleased to note that virtually all Participants have now invited Kimberley Process review visits, and that 25 such visits have already taken place, with participation from governments, the diamond industry and civil society. Moreover, the recent Moscow Plenary meeting made good progress in consolidating the statistical reporting system of the KPCS, which is crucial to detecting any significant flows of illicit diamonds into the legitimate trade. And the Process has started to tackle the specific implementation challenges facing alluvial diamond producers. In this context, we were particularly pleased to see the United States volunteering to coordinate and take forward work within the Process on technical assistance.

At the same time, the Kimberley Process has had to deal with important challenges over the past year which should make us wary of any complacency, and which underscore the need for continued strong support from the United Nations. The ongoing illicit production of rough diamonds in the Northern, rebel-held territories of Côte d'Ivoire is foremost among these. Over the past year, the Kimberley Process has been monitoring the situation, in close cooperation with the UN group of experts on Côte d'Ivoire, which also recently released its findings. It is probable that rough diamonds from Northern Côte d'Ivoire are entering the legitimate diamond trade, in breach of the KPCS and of the ban on exports imposed by the authorities of Côte d'Ivoire themselves.

The situation in Côte d'Ivoire presents a very significant challenge to all Participants in the KPCS. We were therefore pleased to see the adoption by the Moscow Plenary meeting of a Resolution containing concrete measures to tackle the flow of illicit diamonds out of Côte d'Ivoire. Implementation of these measures is now without any doubt a major priority for the Kimberley Process as a whole, and concerns each and every one of its Participants. Cooperation with the United Nations is a central element in the Resolution, and we hope that the close working relationship between the KP and relevant bodies of the UN on this issue will continue over the course of the coming year.

Mr Chairman,

The EU would like to express its sincere appreciation to the Russian Federation for its able stewardship of the Kimberley Process over the past year. Russia's professional, transparent and inclusive approach as Chair has enabled the KP to consolidate its successes and maintain the unity of purpose among the unique coalition of governments, the international diamond industry and non-governmental organizations that has enabled the KPCS to move forward.

We look forward to welcoming Botswana to the Chairmanship of the Kimberley Process for 2006. Following the recent election of the European Community to the Vice-Chairmanship of the KP for 2006 (and to the Chairmanship in 2007), we offer our full support to Botswana in dealing with the challenges that will confront the KP in 2006. Taking forward implementation of the measures agreed with regard to Côte d'Ivoire is certainly one of them. Another important task in 2006 will be completion of the three-year review of the KPCS. The EU has little doubt that the continuing need for the KPCS as a conflict prevention tool will be an important theme in the review process, which will also present an opportunity for a comprehensive stock-taking of the Scheme's functioning and effectiveness.

Mr Chairman,

Let me conclude by urging the General Assembly to reiterate its strong support for the Kimberley Process by endorsing the draft Resolution. The issue of 'conflict diamonds' remains very much on the agenda, both as a potential long-term threat and, as we have seen this year, as an ingredient in crisis situations like the one in Côte d'Ivoire. As an effective multilateral response to this challenge, the KP needs the continued unwavering support of the United Nations.

Thank you.

| Arriba |

• EU Statement - Role of Diamonds in Fuelling Conflict (4/12/2006)
• EU to chair Kimberley Process to combat conflict diamonds in 2007 (9/11/2006)
• EU to head conflict diamonds initiative in 2007  (17/11/2005)
• European Commission Statement - The role of diamonds in fuelling conflict (15/12/2004)
• EU welcomes WTO green light to block blood diamonds  (15/5/2003)