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Israel Rejects UN Report of Illegal Diamond Trade With Cote d'Ivoire
By Avi Krawitz Posted: 10/28/09 10:01
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RAPAPORT... On the eve of Israel assuming the chairmanship of the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme (KPCS), Israel’s diamond comptroller Shmuel Mordechai reaffirmed that the country does not trade with rough-diamond-producing countries outside the boundaries established by the Kimberley Process (KP). Mordechai was responding to a United Nations (UN) report published this week that recommended that the Israeli government investigate the possible involvement of Israeli nationals and companies in the illegal export of rough diamonds from Cote d’Ivoire, the Associated Press reported.

Cote d’Ivoire is not a member of the Kimberley Process and is said to be the only source of conflict or "blood" diamonds in the market today. The UN is expected to renew its arms embargo and sanctions against Cote d’Ivoire on Thursday.

“We view the accusations leveled at us with severity and reject the accusations outright,” Mordechai said. “Israel has been a member of the Kimberley Process to prevent illegal trafficking of rough from the start and carries out the most stringent monitoring and enforcement necessary in its trade of rough diamonds.”

The annual KP plenary meeting takes place next week from November 2 to November 5 in Namibia. Israel has served as vice chairman of the KP this year in preparation for holding the chairman’s position in 2010.

LH
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