EU takes over 2007 Chairmanship of Kimberley Process

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The European Commission is to become on 1 January chairman of the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme (KPCS) to combat conflict diamonds. The Kimberley Process is a unique initiative by government authorities, the international diamond industry and civil society to combat 'conflict diamonds' - rough diamonds used to finance warfare - after the experience of devastating conflicts in some diamond-producing countries in Africa. The Commission, supported by Member States, will use its Chairmanship in 2007 to work to ensure effective implementation of controls by all participants and to close down remaining loopholes. As Chair, the Commission intends to promote the active involvement of industry in policing itself. The European Union's system of industry self-regulation has a lot to offer as a model for others. The Commission will also work closely with governments, industry and civil society, all of whom have contributed much to the Kimberley Process' achievements, and will continue Kimberley's close co-operation with the UN on the cases of Liberia and Cote d'Ivoire, which are subject to diamond embargoes

The Commissioner for External Relations and European Neighbourhood Policy, Commissioner Benita Ferrero-Waldner, commented, "The Kimberley process is our best weapon against a trade in diamonds which fuels war and bloodshed. The European Commission is looking forward to chairing the process in 2007, and our aim will be to make the process even more effective in stopping illicit trading in diamonds. We need to dry up this source of income for those who stir up lethal conflicts, and ensure that those who buy diamonds around the world can do so confident that they are not contributing to this terrible trade."

The Kimberley Process has achieved remarkable progress in a short time since its creation just a few years ago: all the key elements are now in place to ensure that purchases of diamonds do not fuel conflict. However the Process needs to be strengthened further in order to protect innocent lives and the livelihood of those who depend on the diamond industry in Africa and elsewhere.

Background

The Kimberley Process grew out of discussions in May 2000 in Kimberley (South Africa) among interested governments, NGOs and industry groups seeking practical solutions to the problem of conflict diamonds. In December 2000, the UN General Assembly adopted a resolution supporting the creation of an international certification scheme for rough diamonds.

In November 2002, an agreement was reached on the Kimberley certification scheme (KPCS): an innovative system imposing extensive requirements on all participants to control all imports and exports of rough diamonds and to put in place rigorous internal controls over production and trade to ensure that conflict diamonds could not enter the legal diamond trade. KPCS Participants may only trade in rough diamonds with other Participants. All exports of rough diamonds have to be accompanied by valid Kimberley Process certificates issued by Participants, guaranteeing that the diamonds are conflict free.

Since its entry into force in January 2003, the KPCS has continued to innovate and strengthen itself, including by extensive monitoring, both through an annual reporting requirement and through on the spot 'peer review' visits.

In November last year, the European Community, represented by the European Commission, was unanimously elected to hold the annual chairmanship of the Kimberley Process in 2007, following South Africa, Canada, the Russian Federation and Botswana.

The Kimberley Process Certification Scheme now has 47 Participants (list attached) representing 71 countries with the European Community counting as a single Participant. This includes all major diamond producing, trading and polishing centres, and counts on the active participation of civil society and industry groups.

For further details, please see information on the EU & the Kimberley Process at

http://ec.europa.eu/comm/external_relations/kimb/intro/index.htm

www.kimberleyprocess.com


KP Participants as at 15 December 2006

47 Participants representing 71 countries (EC represents 25 Member States)
NB from 1 January 2007, this will change to 45 Participants as Romania and Bulgaria will be part of the European Community.

Angola
Armenia
Australia
Bangladesh
Belarus
Botswana
Brazil
Bulgaria
Canada
Central African Republic
China, People's Republic of
Congo, Democratic Republic of
Cote D' Ivoire
Croatia
European Community
Ghana
Guinea
Guyana
India
Indonesia
Israel
Japan
Korea, Republic of
Lao, Democratic Republic of
Lebanon
Lesotho
Malaysia
Mauritius
Namibia
New Zealand
Norway
Romania
Russian Federation
Sierra Leone
Singapore
South Africa
Sri Lanka
Switzerland
Tanzania
Thailand
Togo
Ukraine
United Arab Emirates
United States of America
Venezuela
Vietnam
Zimbabwe

NOTE: The rough diamond-trading entity of Chinese Taipei has also met the minimum requirements of the KPCS.

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• Kimberley Process review mission to Ghana  (27/3/2007)
• EU takes over 2007 Chairmanship of Kimberley Process (1/1/2007)
• Kimberley Process - Fighting Blood Diamonds! (19/12/2006)
• 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)