RAPAPORT...  The Kimberley Process (KP) concluded its annual plenary in Namibia on Thursday with the decision to retain Zimbabwe as a member, despite previous reports of noncompliance with KP regulations. The Kimberley Process Certification Scheme (KPCS) has instead adopted a working plan to monitor diamonds mined at the Marange fields in the Chiadzwa region.

Human rights organizations called for Zimbabwe's suspension in the run-up to the meeting after a KP peer review team found the country to be non-compliant with internal control requirements, specifically regarding diamonds mined at Marange. The organizations also alleged that 200 people had been killed in the past year, a charge the country's government denies. Zimbabwe's two other mines — River Ranch and Murowe — were found to be compliant. 

Israel will adopt the position of KP chairman beginning in January 2010, with the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) serving as vice chair.

LH