Conflict and Fair Trade Diamonds

NEW YORK, Jan. 31... The Rapaport Group and Blood Diamond movie producer
Ed Zwick will address Social Responsibility and Fair Trade Diamonds during the 4th annual Rapaport International Diamond Conference.

Topic: What should the diamond industry do about conflict diamonds?
  Time: 12:30 p.m. to 1:15 p.m. EDT

     (Setup time permitted at 12:00 p.m.)
Place: New York Hilton Hotel,

           1335 Ave. of Americas, 
           Third Floor, Trianon Room

Media Confirmation: by February 4, 2007 6:00 p.m. Confirm via email media@diamonds.net or telephone Jeff Miller at +1-212-763-40

Ed Zwick will present his views on the role that the diamond industry should play to eliminate conflict diamonds and alleviate the severe development problems confronting artisanal diamond diggers.

Martin Rapaport will announce the establishment of the Fair Trade Diamond and Jewelry Association, a non-profit organization devoted to promoting ethical and fair trade sourcing and production of diamonds, gems and jewelry in Africa and elsewhere. He will also announce the launch of an educational fund for children at-risk in Sierra Leone.

Karol Kovanda, Chair of the Kimberley Process and Deputy Director of the European Commission will explain the role of governments in addressing the problem of conflict diamonds and development.

Ian Smillie, from the NGO, Partnership Africa Canada, will explain how the newly established Diamond Development Initiative will help improve the lives of artisanal diggers. Eli Izhakoff and other leaders of the diamond industry will also be available for comment.

Media must confirm attendance due to security requirements. Limited space is available for those that wish to attend the conference.