FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Eli Izhakoff
Matthew Runci
800-223-0673
646-658-0246
Leaders of the international
diamond industry met in London on Thursday 5th December 2002 to discuss
implementation of the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme, which was adopted
by 52 nations in the Interlaken Declaration in November.
Shmuel Schnitzer, President of the
World Federation of Diamond Bourses; Sean Cohen, President of the International
Diamond Manufacturers’ Association; Charles Bornstein, President of the Belgian
High Diamond Council (HRD); Eli Izhakoff, President & CEO of the World
Diamond Council; and Gary Ralfe, Managing Director of De Beers, called on the
participating countries to implement the intergovernmental provisions of the
Kimberley Process. The diamond industry reaffirmed its commitment to the
Process and its plans to introduce industry self-regulation measures in tandem
with the Certification Scheme.
It was recognised that there are
practical and diplomatic hurdles still to be overcome by governments before
full implementation by all parties can be achieved. The diamond industry urges
governments to resolve any remaining difficulties without delay.
The leaders of the industry will
be issuing World Diamond Council guidelines to all sectors of the industry,
giving clear instructions on actions to be taken and measures necessary to
ensure full industry compliance from the date of implementation of the
Certification Scheme.
Also present were: Gareth Penny,
Director of Sales & Marketing of the Diamond Trading Company; Peter Meeus,
Director-General HRD; Mark van Bockstael, Director International Affairs HRD;
and Rory More O’Ferrall, Director Public & Corporate Affairs De Beers.
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