Stephane Chardon, Chairman of the Kimberley Process Working Group on Monitoring (WGM) reiterated his and the Kimberley Process' commitment to ensuring the Zimbabwe complies with KPs' Swakopmund Decision, in a recent letter to President & CEO of Jewelers of America, Matthew Runci.

In previous communication Runci expressed concerns over the perception of the Kimberley Process, should Zimbabwe continue to defy directives and export diamonds illegally.

Runci was apparently particularly concerned with recent reports, suggesting such an illegal transport of diamonds to Dubai.

In the letter, Chardon assured Runci that the Kimberley Process was adamant about bringing the Marange diamond field under KP compliance. Chardon told his JA colleague that the suspected diamond shipment to Dubai had been seized by UAE authorities, and that "a full clarification has been requested from Zimbabwe though official channels."

"All countries participating in the Kimberley Process have been urged to ensure 'vigilance' and have been provided with the necessary guidance to detect and intercept possible illicit shipments of Marange diamonds," said the letter.

All Kimberley Process members, he reiterated, "Are committed to join forces and are also considering actions from the private sector with a view to strengthening that Kimberley Process response. The WGM has also requested that the Kimberley Process monitor investigating this issue on the occasion of his next visit to Zimbabwe.

"I can assure you," concluded Chardon, "that the WGM will spare no effort to mobilize all KP members so as to ensure effective implementation of Kimberley Process requirements to maintain its credibility and earn the confidence that consumers and citizens place in the Kimberley Process."