Zim should sell its gems: Outgoing Canadian envoy

sell its diamonds on the open market when the Kimberly Process meet in the Democratic Republic of Congo this week.
Speaking after meeting Acting President John Nkomo at his Munhumutapa offices in Harare yesterday, Ambassador Richardson said it was “extremely” important for Zimbabwe to sell its gems, as this would have a positive impact on the economy.

The international diamond watchdog is meeting for its 2011 plenary in Kinshasa and the ban on Zimbabwe diamonds sale is expected to dominate the agenda. Mines and Mining Development Minister Obert Mpofu is leading a Zimbabwean delegation that is already in Kinshasa and he is expected to address the plenary today lobbying for the immediate restoration of Zimbabwe’s diamond exports rights.

The rest of the KPCS member countries agreed at the last plenary in Jerusalem that Zimbabwe should be allowed to export its diamonds as it has met its minimum requirements, with the exception of United States, Britain and Canada. Zimbabwe has the capacity to produce more than US$1,5 billion worth of diamonds per month, which could solve most of its economic challenges.

The country’s diamonds has been under embargo especially from western countries for alleged human rights abuses despite meeting all the Kimberly Process requirements.
In April, KP chairman Mr Mathieu Yamba declared that Zimbabwean stones could be traded, saying, “there is absolutely no reason why they shouldn’t be sold on an open market”. Australia, among other Western countries, is reportedly pushing for independent monitors to supervise mining at Marange saying it holds serious concerns for the future of the Kimberly process.

However, after meeting Acting President Nkomo, Ambassador Richardson said: “It is extremely important for Zimbabwe to export the diamonds not blocking it from benefiting. “Zimbabwe is a heavy diamond producing country and we just hope that the results from the Kinshasa meeting would be positive. There should be no intention to block Zimbabwe”.

Ambassador Richardson, who has been in the country for three years, described Zimbabweans as hardworking and peace-loving people.
“This is a beautiful country and together with my family I have enjoyed everything. I came in 2008 at a time when you were going through a difficult time but I deduced that you are a peaceful country, which strive for a better life,” she said.