KP welcomes lifting of sanctions on ZMDC

Published: 19 November 2013

The outgoing Kimberley Process (KP) chairperson, Ambassador Welile Nhlapo has commended the European Union (EU) for lifting sanctions on the Zimbabwe Mining Development Corporation (ZMDC) and has challenged the United States of America to take a leaf from the economic grouping for the development of the global diamond trade.

Ambassador Nhlapo made the remarks during the opening ceremony of the 2013 KP Plenary which runs from the 19th to the 22nd of November at the Emperors Convention Centre in Johannesburg, South Africa.

He said the KP welcomes the decision by the EU to review its position on Marange diamonds, adding that all forms of sanctions on the country should be lifted for the realisation of sustainable economic development in Zimbabwe.

He said the lifting of the unjustified embargo will not only benefit Zimbabwe but the entire Southern Africa region.

The outgoing KP chair also encouraged the delegates to make use of the plenary to come up with strategies which will help strengthen the functions and effectiveness of the global diamond watchdog body.

Commenting on reforms, Ambassador Nhlapo said there is need for caution to avoid the duplication of roles as there are other international bodies such as the United Nations (UN) General Assembly and the UN Security Council mandated to oversee issues of peace and security.

In her keynote address, South African Minister of Natural Resources, Ms Susan Shabangu reminded the delegates that the plenary is crucial than ever, as the work of the ad-hoc committee on reform will set the tone on how the KP ensues going forward.

The meeting continues with delegates expected to come up with resolutions on several issues which are on the agenda including the reformation of the KP statutes, the proposed setting up an administrative support mechanism (ASM) and the broadening of the term ‘conflict diamonds' to include aspects of human rights abuses and violence.
- zbc