The World Diamond Council (WDC) issued a press release expressing its "extreme concern" over reports that members of the Centre for Research and Development (CRD), a Zimbabwean NGO and official Observer at the Kimberley Process (KP), have been intimidated by Harare authorities.

Zimbabwe's government has offered no plausible reason for its recent raid of CRD offices. "In the absence of explanation of the legal grounds for this action, the WDC joins with members of the KP's Civil Society Coalition in calling for an immediate end to this intimidation, the release of those arrested and the return of confiscated property and documentation," said the release.

Published reports, added the group, raise serious concerns about the ability of the Kimberley Process monitor to carry out his terms of reference, meant to insure Zimbabwe complies with KP diamond trading directives.

"The World Diamond Council condemns, without equivocation, the intimidation of individuals legitimately carrying out their duties as observers or participants in the Kimberley Process.

WDC once again alerts its members to refrain from trade in diamonds originating in Marange only once they are certified for export by the KP Monitor under the terms of the Joint Work Plan and the Administrative Decision," said the statement.

"Zimbabwe often reminds the world that it is a founding member of the Kimberley Process and wants to continue its participation. It has repeatedly stated that it will co-operate fully to implement the JWP that it agreed to last November.

"Other government members, the World Diamond Council and the Civil Society Coalition have been patient and provided much support in their eagerness to see the JWP succeed and Zimbabwe's continued participation in the KPCS.

"However, unless the Zimbabwean authorities demonstrate their commitment by renewing their efforts to achieve full compliance and crack down on acts of violence and intimidation, they risk undermining any remaining goodwill, their future participation and the opportunity to benefit legitimately from the export and sale of their valuable resources," concluded the statement.