The Kimberley Process has designated a ‘KP Monitor’ under a Joint Work Plan agreed with Zimbabwe at the Swakopmund Plenary meeting, in November 2009, to address the indications of serious non-compliance with KP minimum requirements identified by a review mission in July 2009.

The KP has nominated Mr. Abbey Chikane as the Kimberley Process for Zimbabwe. Chikane, a founder Chairman of the KP, will visit Zimbabwe on 1-3 March 2010 on a fact-finding mission to assess the situation and to prepare for monitoring the implementation of the Joint Work Plan.

The Joint Work Plan provides for a series of commitments by Zimbabwe to bring diamond mining in the Marange area in full compliance with the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme. Implementation of the Joint Work Plan will be closely monitored by the KP, notably through the nomination of a ‘KP Monitor’ while exports of Marange diamonds will be subject to prior verification of compliance.

JCK