DATE=7/21/2000
TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT
TITLE=U-N / DIAMONDS BAN (L-ONLY)
NUMBER=2-264669
BYLINE=BRECK ARDERY
DATELINE=UNITED NATIONS
CONTENT=
VOICED AT:
INTRO: The head of the U-N Sanctions Committee on
Angola, Robert Fowler, has expressed great
satisfaction with the world diamond industry's
decision to ban sales of "conflict diamonds" -- (which
are) stones exported illegally from African war zones.
V-O-A Correspondent Breck Ardery reports from the
United Nations.
TEXT: Mr. Fowler told reporters (Friday) he is
extremely happy with the results of a recent meeting
of the World Diamond Congress in Antwerp, Belgium.
The Congress, which represents virtually all elements
of the international diamond industry, adopted a
number of strict controls to prevent the sale of
diamonds illicitly exported from war-torn nations such
as Angola and Sierra Leone. The United Nations has
imposed embargoes on so-called "conflict diamonds,"
which rebel groups in those two countries use to
obtain arms.
Mr. Fowler, who is also Canada's ambassador to the
United Nations, attended the meeting in Antwerp. He
says the sincere cooperation of the diamond industry
actually surprised him.
/// 1ST FOWLER ACT ///
Frankly -- I will tell you candidly -- I never
would have expected this a year ago. A year ago
I never would have expected to see a document
produced by the industry the likes of which they
passed in Antwerp.
/// END ACT ///
Among other things, the Diamond Congress decided that
any trader found to be dealing in "conflict diamonds"
will be banned from the industry. In addition, an
elaborate tracking system is being established to
ensure that all rough diamonds offered for sale come
from a legitimate source.
/// REST OPT ///
Mr. Fowler says there was widespread support for the
control measures at the Diamond Congress, but some
representatives did question why more is not being
done to prevent arms sales to rebels.
/// 2ND FOWLER ACT ///
I agree that we must look at both sides of the
equation. We must. But it is crazy to say that
either one can be isolated. They are the same
problem.
/// END ACT ///
Without money from illegal diamond sales, Mr. Fowler
says, rebel groups in Africa would be unable to buy
arms. Mr. Fowler spoke to reporters after briefing
the U-N Security Council in a closed session.
(Signed)
NEB/UN/BA/LSF/WTW
21-Jul-2000 16:16 PM EDT (21-Jul-2000 2016 UTC)
NNNN
Source: Voice of America
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