Leaders of the international diamond industry met in London on Dec. 5 to discuss implementation of the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme, which was adopted by 52 nations in the Interlaken Declaration in November.

Shmuel Schnitzer, president of the World Federation of Diamond Bourses; Sean Cohen, president of the International Diamond Manufacturers’ Association; Charles Bornstein, president of the Belgian High Diamond Council (HRD); Eli Izhakoff, chairman & CEO of the World Diamond Council; and Gary Ralfe, managing director of De Beers, called on the participating countries to implement the intergovernmental provisions of the Kimberley Process. The diamond industry officials reaffirmed their commitment to the Process and its plans to introduce industry self-regulation measures in tandem with the Certification Scheme.

Those at the meeting recognized that there are practical and diplomatic hurdles still to be overcome by governments before full implementation by all parties can be achieved. The diamond industry urges governments to resolve any remaining difficulties without delay.

The leaders of the industry will be issuing World Diamond Council guidelines to all sectors of the industry, giving clear instructions on actions to be taken and measures necessary to ensure full industry compliance from the date of implementation of the Certification Scheme.

Also present were: Gareth Penny, director of Sales & Marketing of the Diamond Trading Company; Peter Meeus, director-general HRD; Mark van Bockstael, director International Affairs HRD; and Rory More O’Ferrall, director of Public & Corporate Affairs De Beers.

JCK