The Kimberley Process approval of a revised version of the Jerusalem Agreement on January 17 J 2011, that would allow for the recommencement of exports from approved concessions in the Marange region of Zimbabwe, is subject to agreement on continued oversight and monitoring, the World Diamond Council announced last week.



Before exports can resume,

the authorities in Zimbabwe need to complete a series on consultations with Mr. Mathieu Yamba, the Chair of the Kimberley Process, representing the Democratic Republic of Congo.



The WDC believes these consultations are sensitive and ongoing. Mr. Yamba has called for understanding and patience as efforts are made, in good faith, on all sides to reach a conclusion.



In the meantime, the WDC continues to advise members of the diamond industry that until a conclusion is reached exports of stocks and production from the approved concessions in the Marange diamond fields do not carry the approval of the Kimberley Process.



The WDC, therefore, advocates caution and the adoption of due diligence when trading rough diamonds on the international market.



The WDC will send out an advisory as soon as the consultations have been concluded and a clear directive has been received from the Chair.