United Arab Emirates Ban Trade on Zimbabwe's Marange Diamonds
The United Arab Emirates has joined an international ban on trade of Zimbabwe's diamonds from the Marange field in Manicaland province.
The Dubai Multi Commodites Center said no diamonds from the area would be permitted in the country. A similar stance was taken by India recently.
The decision comes after the Kimberly Certification Process has been failing to reach a consensus on the sale of the Marange diamonds. United Nations member states are backing measures being put in place to control the sale of conflict diamonds..
The Dubai Center said it is in full compliance with the office of the Kimberly Certification Process and will only accept Zimbabwean diamonds when the KP reaches a final decision on Marange gems.
Many advocacy groups believe that Zimbabwe must remain excluded from the certification process because of widespread violence and human rights violations in Marange. These allegations have complicated the KP process, stalling a decision on Zimbabwe's diamond trade.
Political analyst Charles Mangongera said the move by the UAE is of interest to the international diamond market.
