News / National
Zimbabwe hails KP's diamonds decision
02 Nov 2011 at 12:20hrs | Views
Harare - Zimbabwe's mining minister is hailing a decision that allows the country to start trading diamonds from an area mired in controversy.
Mining Minister Obert Mpofu told reporters on Wednesday that the decision made in the Democratic Republic of Congo earlier this week by Kimberley Process experts is a "victory". He also says it means Zimbabwe will "no longer beg for money".
Zimbabwe's diamonds have been fraught with controversy amid allegations of labour, torture, beatings and harassment by troops in the Marange diamond field in the country's east.
Human rights groups call the decision to allow sales a "very disappointing conclusion" to the issue.
Zimbabwe, which denies the allegations, has been under sanctions from the Kimberley Process since 2009 for "significant noncompliance".
Mining Minister Obert Mpofu told reporters on Wednesday that the decision made in the Democratic Republic of Congo earlier this week by Kimberley Process experts is a "victory". He also says it means Zimbabwe will "no longer beg for money".
Zimbabwe's diamonds have been fraught with controversy amid allegations of labour, torture, beatings and harassment by troops in the Marange diamond field in the country's east.
Human rights groups call the decision to allow sales a "very disappointing conclusion" to the issue.
Zimbabwe, which denies the allegations, has been under sanctions from the Kimberley Process since 2009 for "significant noncompliance".
Source - AP
