Further to the KP intersessional meeting and in anticipation of the forthcoming 34th World Diamond Congress and WDC meeting in Russia, Avi Paz, President of the World Federation of Diamond Bourses (WFDB) and President of the Israel Diamond Exchange, called upon all stakeholders -- governments, NGOs and industry members -- to cooperate in working towards a solution to the Marange diamond mine issue that would be viable and acceptable to all sides.

In the meantime, Paz issued a stern warning to members of the industry, reminding them that diamonds originating from Marange should not be purchased until approved by the Kimberley Process Working Group on Monitoring. As no approval has yet been given, any member found doing so will be subject to WFDB disciplinary procedures.

Paz hailed the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme and emphasized the exemplary role the diamond industry plays in advancing complete transparency in the rough diamond supply pipeline.

He also praised the work of KP Chairman Boaz Hirsch, World Diamond Council President Eli Izhakoff, Stephane Chardon, Chair of the Working Group on Monitoring (WGM), representatives of the various governments and non-governmental organizations (NGOs).

"There is no other industry in the world that has taken regulatory measures similar to that of the KP," Paz said. "In addition, we have seen no other industries come together to assure that its products are untainted. The fact that the diamond industry is under scrutiny is because all parties who are involved have a common interest in protecting the integrity of the global diamond industry and trade, and as such advance consumer confidence in diamonds."