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(NEWZIMBABWE) Chiadzwa compliance on track: KP monitor

Chiadzwa compliance on track: KP monitor
by Business reporter
27/05/2010 00:00:00

KIMBERLY Process (KP) monitor Abbey Chikane says Zimbabwe is on track to meet minimum requirements to start selling diamonds Chiadzwa adding he would recommend that a trade ban on gems from the controversial fields be lifted.

The KP - formed created to prevent the sale of so-called "blood diamonds" on world markets - had given Zimbabwe until June to end alleged human rights abuses in the Chiadzwa diamond fields.

Speaking in Harare after a visit aimed at examining progressing in complying with the world regulator’s requirements, Chikane – a South Africa – said shortcomings identified during an earlier visit in March had been “adequately covered”.

"Zimbabwe is on track to meet the minimum KP requirements," Chikane said after meeting parliamentarians.

"I will write a report making my recommendations for Zimbabwe to start trading (in diamonds) very soon."

Chikane’s comments came as Zimbabwe announced a blanket ban on all diamond sales from the country in a move observers said was aimed at putting pressure on the KP to lift the ban on Chiadzwa.

Mines Minister Obert Mpofu said the ban would affect other diamond producer such as River Ranch and Murowa Diamond Mine which is part owned by global resources group Rio Tinto PLC.

"As Government we view Zimbabwean diamonds as Zimbabwean diamonds regardless of where they are mined. We have a clear distinction where certain diamonds can be viewed as acceptable while others are not.

"We cannot continue as Government to facilitate that kind of misguided approach to our diamonds by our detractors," Mpofu told the state-owned Herald newspaper.

Government claims human rights organisations supported by Western countries – many of which imposed sanctions on Zimbabwe – are bent on ensuring the country does not benefit the Chiadzwa diamonds.

The rights organizations insist that abuses continue in Chiadzwa and that the country’s security services are involved in diamond mining.

Chikane said he had discussed the role of security services in Chiadzwa with the country’s parliamentarians.

"The general consensus (from lawmakers) is that the army should remain until government creates a conducive environment for investors," he said.

Labels: BLOOD DIAMONDS, CHIADZWA, DIAMONDS, KIMBERLEY PROCESS

posted by MrK @ 3:36 PM