Zimbabwe has reportedly turned down an invitation to take part of a KP Brussels meeting meant to try and find a solution to the country’s ongoing diamond saga, SW Radio Africa news reported.



The meeting of members of the diamond trade watchdog the Kimberley Process follows persistent statements by Harare’s Mines Ministry, which is pushing forward with plans to export diamonds from the controversial Chiadzwa diamond fields, regardless of international approval.



Mines Minister Obert Mpofu confirmed that a consignment of Marange diamonds has been sold recently, and according to various reports some $160 million was raised in the sale of rough diamonds to Indian buyers.

The sale followed what has been described as a controversial move by KP monitor to Zimbabwe Abbey Chikane, who sanctioned the sale unilaterally. The move was slammed by rights groups, and later overruled by KP Chairman Boaz Hirsch.



Hirsch maintains that trade in Zimbabwe diamonds cannot take place until Harare fulfills its commitments to the KP.



Still, Mpofu insists that Zimbabwe has met all the standards laid down by the KP. He again said that Zimbabwe will continue to sell its diamonds, with or without KP approval; a situation that rights groups have warned puts the entire diamond industry at risk.