World Diamond Council

International Headquarters: 52 Vanderbilt Avenue / 19th Floor / New York, NY 10017 / USA

Eli Izhakoff, Chairman / 580 Fifth Avenue / New York, NY 10036 / USA

ADDRESS TO THE LONDON CONFERENCE ON CONFLICT DIAMONDS

Eli Izhakoff, Chairman - World Diamond Council

October 25-26, 2000

 

Your Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,

The mission of the World Diamond Council is to serve the industry by helping to curtail the flow of conflict diamonds into the global markets. We seek not only to preserve and protect the vital interests of the diamond industry, but also to protect the consuming public from exposure to, and involvement with, diamonds that could be used as instruments of war.

The vast majority of diamonds bring essential jobs to hundreds of thousands of law-abiding citizens and enormous economic value to many nation-states. And they also add brilliance and life to people everywhere as symbols of eternal love, lasting beauty and personal devotion. It is this delicate balance of emotion and value that we seek to protect for both the trade and the consumer.

I am proud to be accompanied today by the three senior statesmen of the international gem and jewelry industry. First, Dr. Matthew Runci, President and CEO of Jewelers of America, the largest and most important assemblage of professional jewelers in the world. And second, Mr. William Boyajian, President of the famous Gemological Institute of America, the world's standard bearer of integrity in education, research, and gem laboratory grading and identification. And finally, Mr. Peter Meeus, Managing Director of the Belgian Diamond High Council which has worked so effectively in establishing a certification regime in Sierra Leone, recognized by the United Nations. These gentlemen assist me in the fight for truth and justice in the arena of conflict diamonds, which have gained the world's attention over the past year.

I believe we are on the eve of one of the most important developments in the centuries-old diamond industry. Through cooperation, trust and faith, there is a very real opportunity to help end the atrocities and bloodshed of civil conflict in African states. We can do this by denying those opposed to stability and peace, access to the funds needed to continue their tyranny--funds that are attained by stealing and abusing one of their country's most beautiful and valuable gifts of nature--diamonds.

I am proud, and relieved, to tell you that the industry has risen to the challenge that confronts us today. The measures that the industry has taken are as unprecedented as they are bold. To make them complete and to work effectively, however, required the legal support--and where necessary, additional legislation--of governments. Measures to complement and match those taken by the industry. Practical and just measures are called for, and with regard to this, I am reminded of the sensible view conveyed by Foreign Office Minister Peter Hain when he said in Antwerp in July that we should "avoid heavy bureaucracies, intergovernmental procrastination and look instead to light and effective models of industry self-regulation backed by the support of government legislation."

The Technical Committee of the World Diamond Council, headed by President Boyajian, has prepared a comprehensive document for international rough diamond export and import controls. It will no doubt severely restrict the flow of conflict diamonds and enable all governments, if properly implemented and supported, to ensure the credibility of their rough diamond exports and imports.

The World Diamond Council has worked diligently with the United Nations and with non-governmental organizations. We have also worked with Congressman Tony Hall of the United States to move viable legislation forward in America.

In order to be successful in our fight against conflict diamonds, we must reach common ground on this issue. We have shared objectives with governments, with NGOs and with a united diamond and jewelry industry. Thus, we must work in harmony with all interested parties to ensure that diamonds remain well-managed resources that provide prosperity, support stability, and encourage democracy around the world.

It is also important to remember that in addition to protecting the economies of those countries that already benefit from a well-regulated diamond industry, such as Botswana, South Africa and Namibia, we also have a responsibility to ensure that sensational media coverage and misguided legislation do not damage the future prospects of those currently affected by conflict. Angola, Congo and in particular, Sierra Leone, will all need access to legitimate channels for their diamonds to help repair their economies when peace and stability are eventually restored.

Your Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen, we must work together for the good of all involved. The diamond and jewelry industry worldwide means business. We will do whatever it takes to curtail the flow of conflict diamond rough into the global markets. We know you share our belief and we look forward to working with you in this important matter.

Thank you.