Group of 8
July 2000
3.Illicit Trade in Diamonds
The G8 is concerned that the proceeds from the illicit trade in certain high value
commodities, especially diamonds, are providing funds for arms purchases, thus aggravating
conflicts and humanitarian crises in Africa (particularly Angola, DRC and Sierra Leone).
Whilst insisting that the interests of the legitimate diamond producers and traders are
not put at risk, the G8 will take the following steps to counter the illicit trade in diamonds,
particularly those coming from conflict zones in Africa.
The G8, which accounts for the bulk of the global market for diamonds,
will co-operate closely with governments of diamond-producing states, neighboring
states, major marketing centers, regional organizations and industry in order to curb
illicit diamond flows.
calls on producers and buyers to work in close co-ordination on the elaboration of
specific measures to trace and block the illicit trade in diamonds in Africa on an urgent
basis, as a first step.
supports the efforts of African states in strengthening regional law enforcement and
internal capacity building for curbing the illicit trade in diamonds and welcomes their
respective initiative in this regard.
emphasizes that the UN Sanctions Committee on Angola is central to efforts to
strengthen sanctions enforcement against UNITA and the need to fully implement UN
Security Council resolutions 1173 and 1295.
welcomes the initiatives within the UN framework to assess the impact of the illegal
exploitation of natural resources, including diamonds, on the conflict in Democratic
Republic of Congo.
calls for the urgent cooperation of interested parties including the diamond industry
with the government of Sierra Leone on the proper control over trade in diamonds
produced in Sierra Leone.
welcomes 'Technical Forum on Diamonds' held at Kimberly, South Africa, as an
important contribution to finding pragmatic solutions. The G8 supports rapid
follow-up, involving all the key actors, which should include the exploring of a possible
certification scheme for rough diamonds from conflict areas, industry codes of conduct
and an international body to promote transparency and accountability.
will consider appropriate action to keep diamonds from illicit transactions out of the
G8 markets.
More Articles on Diamonds in Conflict
