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Pledge to stay away from `conflict diamonds'

Our Bureau

MUMBAI, June 23

THE Gem and Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJPEC) has reiterated its resolve to keep away from `conflict diamonds' from strife-torn Sierra Leon, Angola and Congo in Africa, said a press release.

It also condemned the use of diamonds to fund activities of terrorist groups like UNITA in Angola.

The resolution which was passed in April this year is in line with UN Security Council resolution No 1173 and 1176 earlier this year.

According to the release, the GJPEC has taken the following initiatives to implement the UN resolution:

W All exporters of roughs to India will have to declare the origin of diamonds, ensuring that they do not originate from Sierra Leon, Angola and the DRC, with effect from July, 7, 2000;

W It has asked banks to withdraw facilities to exporters dealing in conflict diamonds.

W If any member of the GJPEC is found to be dealing in conflict diamonds, he would be debarred from membership of GJPEC.

The Indian diamond industry is also sending its delegations to all international meetings to develop a proper strategy to deal with import of conflict diamonds, said the release.