RAPAPORT… The World Diamond Council (WDC) called on all of the parties involved in the Kimberley Process (KP) to continue to engage in productive dialogue and cooperation following the Tel Aviv meeting this week that did end in a deadlock concerning Zimbabwe.
A statement from Eli Izhakoff, the president of the WDCouncil, noted that the meeting offered positive developments in the form of an agreement to move ahead on reforms that would further enhance the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme’s (KPCS) ability to address challenges and opportunities in the future. (Review Izhakoff’s proposals going into the Tel Aviv meeting.)
One seminar on reform was jointly convened by the diamond industry, civil society groups and government members. Another seminar was held to discuss more effective cooperation between the KP and other sectors of government, including Customs, security and border control departments.
Izhakoff said, “The diamond industry welcomes these developments and has long been calling for sensible and appropriate reforms and greater cooperation within and between governments.”