Kimberly Process in turmoil

The Kimberley Process Certification Scheme is in turmoil following the declaration by its chairman, Mathieu Yamba of the Democratic Republic of Congo, saying Zimbabwe is cleared to sell diamonds from the Marange field into the global marketplace.
There was no debate among Kimberly Process members before Yamba's announcement, which has drawn opposition from the World Diamond Council and the governments of the United States, the European Union, Canada and Israel, which have warned off buyers.
In his directive authorizing Zimbabwe to resume export sales of diamonds from the highly controversial Marange field in the east of the country, Yamba said all unresolved issues concerning Marange would be addressed at a Kimberley meeting in November.
In the United States, Jewelers of America and the Diamond Manufacturers and Importers Association of America have urged members not to trade in diamonds from Marange. The groups say suppliers should provide additional written assurances beyond the World Diamond Council's usual warranties statement that the diamonds they supply did not originate in Marange and were not obtained in violation of laws or sanctions.
Zimbabwean Mines Minister Obert Mpofu said Zimbabwe doesn't care about statements from those who seek to block international trade in Marange diamonds.
Mpofu said countries like Canada, Australia and Britain are hypocritical because their companies are currently benefiting from mining ventures in Zimbabwe.